Kakching: Kakching district joins the rest of the nation in celebrating the 76th Republic Day today. The celebration was held at District Sports Association (DSA) Ground, Kakching Turel Wangma, Kakching. The ceremony began with the Chief Guest Rohit Anand, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Kakching District, unfurling the tricolour flag followed by the National Anthem.
The DC took salute of march past contingents led by Parade Commander Ng Suresh Anthony, MPS, SDPO Sugnoo with contingents from the Manipur Rifles and Indian Reserve Battalion, Manipur Police, Kakching District, VDF Kakching District, Manipur Traffic Police, Kakching District, ICDS Project, Kha Football Academy, NN Mangang Wushu Academy, Indian Red Cross Society, and Southern Manipur Band Party Academy participating in the celebration.
Speaking as the chief guest of the function, Rohit Anand spoke about the progress of the district and the ongoing rehabilitation and development works. He said the day is not only a celebration of the Constitution but also a reiteration of the principles of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. “Democracy is not a system of government but a shared responsibility. We have to keep this lamp of democracy burning,” he said.
Rohit Anand spoke about the rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and said more than 200 families have returned to their homes, 26 relief camps are still operational and have over 5,000 people. He said families returning to their homes will get the same facilities for three months which they were getting in the camps. He told those who can return to their homes to do so stressing that “there is no place like home.”
The Deputy Commissioner also highlighted last year’s district training program which helped 7 youths get jobs in Bangalore. He mentioned that plans are on to launch another batch soon to benefit more families. In Serou and Sugnoo, 260 houses are being reconstructed and the administration is coordinating with the education and health department to get more teachers and doctors to these areas. The district has also witnessed considerable investment in infrastructure and tourism. Through the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund, more than Rs. 5 crore has been sanctioned for improving roads. An additional Rs. 3.5 crore has been received under the Special Assistance for Capital Investment scheme for road development.
The North Eastern Council has allocated Rs. 3 crore to develop an eco-tourism park at Kakching Khunou, aiming to boost tourism and create livelihood opportunities. Under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Rs. 75 lakh has been sanctioned for projects like farm pond construction and irrigation canals, while over Rs. 15 crore has been allocated for housing under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana, Shri Rohit Anand added.
Rohit Anand also shared updates on health and road safety initiatives. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana health insurance has been extended to people above 70 years and the district is observing Road Safety Month to address the increasing accidents. Financial assistance and cashless treatment is being given to accident victims and good Samaritans who help them can get up to Rs. 25,000.
To plug the gaps in implementation of welfare schemes, the government is planning to restart Meeyamgi Numit in the district. Shri Rohit Anand also spoke about enforcing Inner Line Permit to control illegal immigration. For their proactive approach, DC and SP of the district got a commendation certificate from the Chief Minister.
In his concluding remarks, Rohit Anand asked for support to cultural performances by displaced persons and their entrepreneurial ventures in the relief camps. He appealed to the community to help them stabilize and build a better future.
Also, cultural troupes, sports and martial arts artistes showcased their performances during the celebration. Commendation and appreciation certificates were distributed to officers and staff from various departments in the district.
‘Manipur Today’ magazine special issue published by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Government of Manipur was also distributed by the Office of the District Information Officer, Kakching at the function.
The event was also attended by Thokchom Vikramjit Singh, IPS, SP Kakching, M. Kapajit, ADM Kakching District, AC to DC, SDOs, DLOs, officials and staff of the DC office Kakching, as well as members of the general public, who came together to celebrate Republic Day.
