Imphal: Chief Minister N. Biren Singh disbursed Rs. 1.23 crore to approximately 495 beneficiaries under four projects led by the Department of Sericulture at the “Distribution of Benefits and Launching of Books” function on Thursday at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
The event was co-organized by the Department of Sericulture, the Government of Manipur, and the Manipur Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board.
The four projects include:
- Integrated Oak Tasar Project: Chandel, Tamenglong, Noney, and Churachandpur districts
- Eri Project: Senapati and Jiribam districts
- Intensive Bi-voltine Project: Ukhrul, Kamjong, and Tamenglong districts
- Women Empowerment through Sericulture: Kakching, Chandel, and Imphal East districts
The Chief Minister highlighted the Centre’s support amid the state’s unprecedented crisis, mentioning funding of around Rs. 145 crore for affected people, Rs. 124 crore for relief camp operations and prefabricated houses, and a one-time financial assistance of Rs. 1000 each for the fourth phase totaling around Rs. 23 crore. Rs. 19 crore was also released as a compensatory package, and Rs. 44 crore for children’s nutrition and personal hygiene.
A special assistance scheme provided Rs. 1 lakh per displaced family, with the first installment of Rs. 25,000 per family for 6000 families. To enhance camp amenities, Rs. 3 crore was allocated for TV sets. With improved law and order in certain areas, Rs. 20 crore was released for constructing permanent houses for 736 families.
For hailstorm-affected families, 42,000 families received CGI sheets worth Rs. 45 crore. The Central government sanctioned Rs. 80 crore for flood and hailstorm relief. The Chief Minister called for unity to restore peace in the state.
Minister Heikham Dingo Singh, in his presidential speech, praised the Manipur Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board’s efforts under the Chief Minister’s guidance. The Board provides various benefits, including accidental and pension benefits for labourers, and educational benefits for their children, and is working towards medical benefits.
During the event, the Chief Minister launched “Handbook for Farmers,” published by the Department of Sericulture. The program was attended by cabinet ministers, the Chairman of the Hill Area Committee, MLAs, various board and corporation chairmen, and bank officials.
