Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Nisith Pramanik, who arrived in Imphal on Friday, took suggestions from different personalities, including Padmashri awardees and winners of various national and state awards for improvement of the state in different sectors.
During the occasion, the minister pointed out that the government has initiated steps to set up 16 ‘Khelo India’ centres in 16 districts of Manipur as part of the Centre’s vision to open 1,000 Khelo India centres in all states and Union territories, with at least one of such centres in each district.
Besides, the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is putting efforts to groom and nurture sportspersons from the grassroots level, he said.
He was responding to a proposal by international weightlifter and Olympian Mirabai Chanu’s instructor L Anita for setting up at least two-three sports schools in each district of Manipur to hone the sports talents in rural areas of the state.
Meanwhile, child rights activist Keisham Pradipkumar drew the attention of the minister towards full implementation of the Manipur State Youth Policy at the earliest.
Recounting that the policy was notified in 2011, he expressed concern that no positive steps have so far been taken for its implementation.
He raised concern that 36,000 drug addicts of the state are youths. “In such a scenario, the policy along with the state’s drug policy will go a long way in tackling the drug menace in the state,” he said.
The union minister collected the suggestions and assured to relay the desire of eminent personalities in art and culture to receive adequate financial assistance.
Among various proposals placed to the union minister include the demand for granting classical language status to Manipuri language as well.
Ministers Konthoujam Govindas, L Susindro among others were also present during the occasion.
