DIPR/OSR
Imphal, Oct 14: Chief Minister N Biren Singh has said the Cabinet decision to remove families with more than four children from government schemes is a population control measure.
Responding to questions raised by the media on the sidelines of the 16th Regional SARAS Mela, 2022 held at Iboyaima Shurang Lila Shanglen, Palace Compound today, the Chief Minister argued that some family planning measures should be initiated considering state resources.
He said that the National Population Commission would be established and would carry out its functions as directed.
The regional SARAS Mela which has been organized by the State Rural Livelihoods Mission of Manipur (MSRLM), Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj will continue till October 23rd.
In his speech, N Biren said that the contributions of men and women in a family are necessary to lead a quality life, adding that women play a greater role in the development of a society.
He recalled the contribution of women in Manipur during Nupi Lan and the struggle for freedom and added that tribal communities are now taking a greater part in nation building.
Informing that more than 41,000 tribal entrepreneurs in the state had benefited from the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana, the Chief Minister appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his far-sighted vision and initiatives aimed at improving people’s livelihoods.
He went on to say that the Prime Minister has set up various projects for the welfare of the people with the new slogan “Sabka Sath-Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas-Sabka Prayas”.
Biren maintained that the goal of the current government is to ensure that people have access to a quality and secure life. Stating that the law and order in the state has improved significantly, he added that the state government has been exerting all possible efforts to maintain peace in the state.
The Chief Minister said he was glad to hear that various SHGs have obtained FSSAI approval for their products and also have access to marketplace platforms like Amazon to sell their products.
He further highlighted the need for better value addition to local agricultural products, proper and hygienic packaging so that the products can be exported out of the state.
He said the state government is considering setting up marketing platforms for various products produced by some SHGs. He also assured to provide all possible assistance from the government.
Mentioning that many officials from G20 member countries are visiting Manipur for the G20 summit next year, he said he would try to arrange to showcase the products of various SHGs under MSRLM and TRIFED to the visitors.
In his presidential address, Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Yumnam Khem-chand said that people now rightly have access to bank loans to improve their income and source of income.
Members of various self-help groups learn about income, expenses and savings, he added. He also appreciated the Chief Minister for releasing the MSRLM funds on time and also for various initiatives launched for the welfare of the people.
The Chief Minister launched various SHG products from different parts of the state and also inspected the stalls set up by various SHGs, village-level federations and cluster-level federations.
State Mission Director, MSRLM N Bandana Devi, Deputy Commissioner, Imphal East Kh Diana Devi, MSRLM officials and members of SHGs also participated in the program among others.
2022-10-14