Chief Minister N. Biren Singh presented his government’s key achievements, upcoming projects, and measures aimed at restoring peace and promoting development in Manipur. The press meet held at his Secretariate on New Years Eve in the presence of ministers and MLAs, highlighted the government’s commitment to rebuilding the state amidst ongoing challenges.
In a significant announcement, the Chief Minister declared a 7 percent hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees starting January 2025, raising the DA to 39 percent.
Appealing to the people of Manipur, the Chief Minister urged everyone to forgive and forget past grievances, emphasizing the need to work together to restore the state to its pre-May 2023 state. “We are all facing the problems together. Let us strive to end the violence and make Manipur a developed and peaceful state,” he said.
Among the key welfare initiatives, include Chief Minister Hakshel gi Tengbang (CMHT) scheme for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) has been extended for another year. A new “Teachers’ Achievement Award” will be introduced, with selected teachers receiving double increments twice a year as an appreciation for their contributions. Starting January 2025, newborns in three districts will be linked to their mothers’ Aadhaar. Updates will be required every five years to address demographic concerns.
To address the challenges posed by unsafe road travel, flight services will commence in collaboration with Alliance Air on routes between Imphal-Guwahati, Imphal-Kolkata, and Imphal-Dimapur. Fares will be capped at ₹5,000, with any excess borne by the state government,the Chief Minister said.
Major Projects include the Mini Secretariat will be completed by January 2025, a 7-story residential complex costing ₹62 crore will be constructed at Langol, A ropeway at Marjing is expected to be operational by February 2025.
Regarding the security and recovery efforts, the CM said there is reduction in Violence. Firing incidents have significantly decreased since May 2023; there was 408 cases in May-October 2023, 345 cases in November 2023-April 2024, while 112 cases from May 2024 till date.
Of 6,000 looted arms, 3,112 have been recovered along with 2,551 explosives. 625 individuals have been arrested, and 12,247 FIRs have been lodged. An additional 17 security companies have been deployed on NH-2 and 18 on NH-37 to ensure safety. The state has procured 40 bulletproof vehicles, 10 Casper vehicles, MMG, and sniper rifles to boost morale and preparedness and police personnel will receive advanced commando training.
For Resettlement of IDPs, of 3,000 prefabricated housing units, 2,660 are completed, 2,520 are occupied, and 340 are under construction.
CM N. Biren’s announcement underscores a vision for peace, stability, and development in Manipur. The initiatives aim to rebuild infrastructure, enhance security, and provide welfare to those affected by violence, with a call for collective action to ensure a prosperous future for the state.
