Imphal, November 3: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Government of India, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, immediately on arrival at Imphal today, reviewed various central schemes and 10% Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) during a meeting at the Conference Hall, Old Secretariat, Manipur, an official report said.
The Union Minister was also briefed on the details of “Fund Released by MHA for Relief Operation & Resettlement / Rehabilitation of IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons)”.
During the meeting, the Union Minister of State reviewed various programmes and policies of Central Ministries, departments, organisations (including MHA), for ensuring speedy implementation of flagship and other programs, the report also said.
Bandi Sanjay Kumar assessed the status of different programmes being implemented by various Departments under the State Government in the following sectors: Health, Education, Transport and Connectivity, Power, Tourism, Rural Development, Housing, Agriculture and Food Processing, Handloom, Handicrafts & Textiles among others. The Hon’ble Minister was briefed on “Action Plans” on improving the above sectors in a time bound manner. On a query about the number of tourists coming to the State, he was informed that the number of tourists visiting the State has drastically decreased from over 1,79,000 (1,67,000 domestic and 12,000 foreign) in 2019-20 to approximately 17,000 (15,700 domestic and 1,300 foreign) in 2024-25. Though the decrease is primarily due to civil unrest in the State, another factor deterring tourists from visiting the State is due to exorbitant air fare, the report further said.
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Anurag Bajpai, PCCF/ Addition Chief Secretary requested the visiting dignitary to take up the matter with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, informing that the State has also written to the Ministry in this regard.
He also reviewed the projects taken up under 10% Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) viz Ministry of Development of North East Region and the expenditures incurred so far at the meet. Additionally, he also reviewed the status of implementation of the National Oil Palm Mission recently launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Family Welfare. The State officials explained the potentials, challenges and action plan on this Mission, it added.
Various flagship schemes of the Government of India and initiatives taken by the State Government were also discussed during the meet, which was attended by the Administrative Secretaries of various State Departments, Heads of Departments and other senior officials. Union Minister, Bandi Sanjay Kumar also gave assurance to extend necessary support from the Central Government to ensure the development and progress of the State, the report also stated. Later in the evening, Bandi Sanjay Kumar called on the Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan, Imphal.
(Newmai News Network)