Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday announced a Rs 500 monthly allowance for Persons with Disability (PwD) having a disability of 60 to 80 per cent starting from October in celebration of the Prime Minister’s 72nd birthday.
The “Chief Minister gi Sotharabasingi Tengbang” scheme launched in December 2017 already provides Rs 1,500 per month to PwD having a disability of 80 per cent or more.
Making the announcement as the chief guest of the inaugural function of a “Free distribution camp of aids and assistive devices to Divyangjan” under the ADIP Scheme, Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Biren said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes in serving and helping the poor and downtrodden.
"In line with the prime minister’s vision of serving the poor and downtrodden, from next month a Rs 500 monthly pension will be provided to Persons with Disability having disability of 60-80 per cent after proper medical verification and identification by Social Welfare," he said.
Elaborating that the Prime Minister believes in an equal society, the Chief Minister explained Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas and said we require collective efforts for inclusive growth by creating trust, confidence amongst us all without stopping our struggle.
The state under the present government has made much progress during the last five or so years, he said adding that the government is working with dedication, hard-work, sincerity, transparency, devotion and sacrifice.
Today, India is also making progress in all sectors under the able and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the chief minister said adding that the Prime Minister and the government is always there for the people.
Further in his speech, the chief minister appreciated the SAKSHAM SEVA KENDRA, Ningombam Village Road, Imphal West and the organizers of today’s function.
During the function, various aid and assistive devices, including tricycles, wheel chairs, Teaching & Learning Materials, etc were distributed to PwDs under the AIDP scheme.
The inauguration function was also attended by External Affairs & Education, Government of India, MoS RK Ranjan Singh, Youth Affairs and Sports, Public Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Social Welfare Minister Heikham Dingo Singh, Patsoi MLA Sapam Kunjakeswor Singh among others. The dignitaries led by the chief minister also planted tree saplings as part of the celebration.
Meanwhile, the chief minister highlighted that the Manipur Start-up was launched with a budget of just Rs 30 crore, which has been increased to Rs 100 crore, and further encouraged those who received their skill development completion certificates to apply under the Start-Up scheme.
Speaking at the distribution of certificates for Skill Development Training Programme (upskilling) to state returnees due to Covid-19 pandemic, the chief minister said Skill Development training programme for State Returnees during the COVID-19 pandemic was included in the State government’s 100 Action Points for First 100 Days.
The function was held at KB Philanthropy-5, Khabam Lamkhai, Mantripukhri.
Providing assistance, employment to some of those who returned to the State during the pandemic was a target of the government, he added.
Today we are conducting these skill development training in various fields, including front office associate, counter sales executive, home delivery boys, business builders, nail technicians, barbers, tourists guide etc, he said.
Manipur is becoming a tourist hub, the chief Minister said, further stressing that the number of tourist footfall, including foreigners has increased manifold in the last few years. He said considering the State’s natural scenic beauty, climate, food culture, hospitality of the people, etc, we have the potential to be a tourist hub.
He said the state is also developing various sites with historic relevance including the Ibudhou Marjing Statue at Heingang, INA Complex Moirang highest Indian national flag 165 feet height, Nongpok Thong, Imphal Nongpok Torban to attract more tourists and investors.
He also spoke on various welfare schemes and missions including the School Fagathansi Mission, Chief Minister’s Hakshel gi Tengbang, Ayushman Bharat, Har Ghar Jal, Manipur Start-up and their benefits.
He further highlighted the importance of Skill development and said skill development is important to improve the economy and for self sustenance.
