Imphal, June 20 (IANS) Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership and for becoming one of India’s longest-serving Prime Ministers.

Addressing the Jan Kalyan Shivir (Public Welfare Camp), the Chief Minister said the camp forms part of the broader effort to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat–Viksit Manipur 2047.

The Jan Kalyan Shivir, organised by the District Administration of Imphal West, was held at the Chingamathak Young Learners’ Club, Hao Ground, Chingamathak (Pishum Lampak), Imphal.

Officials said the programme is being organised across the country to ensure effective outreach and saturation of welfare and beneficiary-oriented schemes of both the Central and state governments among eligible citizens.

The Chief Minister stated that the camp is being organised to ensure effective doorstep delivery of various government welfare schemes and services to the people of the state.

Referring to ongoing railway projects in Manipur, Singh informed that the railway line has already reached Khongsang and is expected to be extended to Imphal within the next two years.

He further said the rail network is planned to be extended up to Moreh, along the India-Myanmar border, which would significantly enhance connectivity and economic opportunities in the region.

The Chief Minister also noted that the erstwhile Look East Policy has now been transformed into the Act East Policy, under which Manipur is expected to emerge as a gateway to Southeast Asia. He said the policy would open up new avenues of growth and create greater opportunities for future generations of the state.

Stressing that development cannot take place without a peaceful environment, Singh said all communities residing in the state must set aside their differences and move forward through dialogue to restore peace and harmony.

He appealed to the people of Manipur to extend full cooperation to the government’s ongoing efforts to restore and maintain lasting peace in the state.

During the programme, the Chief Minister handed over allowances provided by the Education (School) Department, Imphal West, to two children under the Children with Special Needs category. He also distributed four packets of nutritious food containing dal, eggs, and other essential items to four tuberculosis patients.

Singh later visited stalls set up by various state government departments showcasing different welfare and beneficiary-oriented schemes being implemented under the Jan Kalyan Shivir.

The camp was attended by the Deputy Commissioner of Imphal West, the Director of Planning, the Mayor of the Imphal Municipal Corporation, and officials and staff of various government departments, among others.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister attended the 7th Governor’s Art Award ceremony held at the Cabinet Hall of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat at Mantripukhri in Imphal.

On the occasion, renowned artist Yendrembam Ibochouba Singh was honoured with the Governor’s Art Award in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the field of fine arts.

–IANS

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