Imphal, Dec 3(ANI): The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, today said that it has been the endeavor of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the Centre to make every possible effort for the rapid progress of Manipur and the other north-eastern states.
"We want that the people of the state get opportunities for their talents and abilities to flourish. Over the last five years we have worked very closely with the Congress government of Manipur to make this happen," Dr. Singh said in a speech at a public meeting at Imphal.
"The devolution under the 13th Finance Commission from the Centre to the State for the period 2010-2015 is expected to be about Rs. 13,600 crore, which is more than double the amount given in the period 2005-2010. Manipur's Plan outlay for the current year is Rs. 3210 crore which is more than three times the Plan outlay in the year 2005-06," he added.
He further said that he is happy that many of the projects that were announced during his previous visits to the state in 2004 and 2006 have been completed.
"Earlier today, Sonia ji and I inaugurated the New Assembly Secretariat Complex and the High Court Complex. These are parts of the State Capital Project whose foundation stone I had laid in 2004. Work on the third component of the project, the New Secretariat Complex has also commenced and is likely to be completed by March 2014," he said.
"We have also inaugurated the Auditorium of the Manipur Film Development Corporation (MFDC) today. We hope that this auditorium will contribute to further promoting the Manipuri Film Industry, which has seen many of its directors and other film personalities winning national and international awards in recent years," he added.
The Prime Minister also said that the Centre recognizes that the creation of good infrastructure is critical for Manipur's economic development.
"We have therefore made sincere efforts in this direction. The Imphal airport has now been provided with night landing facilities. The state government has made available 640 acres of land and the Airports Authority of India has drawn up a plan for upgrading the infrastructure to international standards," he said.
"Work on the 125 km railway line from Jiribam to Imphal via Tupul is under progress and is likely to be completed by March 2016, with the Jiribum-Tupul portion getting constructed by March 2014. Double laning of the Maram-Peren road is likely to be completed by March 2012."
"Works on NH-53 are also going on and are expected to finish by December 2013. Construction of the old Cachar road has been approved in principle. The state government has requested for Central assistance to improve road connectivity in hill areas. I urge the state government to prepare detailed proposals in this regard so that they may be suitably considered," he added. (ANI)
|
|
Comments:
