Chief Minister N. Biren Singh inaugurated Spiritual Circuit in Manipur under Swadesh Darshan Scheme at a formal function organized by Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur today at Manipur State Film Development Society, Imphal. He also inaugurated the Construction/Renovation of Tourism Infrastructure Development around Mahabali Temple, Imphal East under NEC.

The Spiritual Circuit which consisted of five components namely Shree Govindajee Temple, Shree Bijoy Govindajee Temple, Shree Gopinath Temple, Shree Bangshibodon Temple and Shree Kaina Temple was developed, under Swadesh Darshan Scheme of Ministry of Tourism, with a sanction amount of around 53 crore rupees and the State Public Works Department was the work agency for the said development projects.  

Speaking as Chief Guest N. Biren Singh said that the State Government had been giving much priority for the development of tourism sector as the State was endowed with natural scenic beauty and it would be easy to bring up at the international level. He further stated that a review meeting was also convened earlier this morning to monitor the progress of development works being undertaken under Prasad Yojana (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive).

He also informed that the Central Government was very much concerned with the preservation of historical sites located in the State and had also given assurance to render any assistance for the development of such sites.

Union Minister of State for Tourism and Culture (I/C) Prahlad Singh Patel, while delivering his presidential speech, congratulated the people of the State on completion of the Spiritual Circuit. He stated that although Manipur is a small state, it has rich culture, tradition and tourism potentials since time immemorial which are still not fully explored.

Asserting the importance of preserving our rich culture and traditions inherited from our ancestors, Patel stated that bringing them up would have a key role in maintaining peace not only in the State but also in the whole world.

The inaugural function which was attended by Agriculture, Tourism, Vet. & AH Minister Oinam Lukhoi Singh as Guest of Honour was also attended by Water Resources and YAS Minister Letpao Haokip, Education, Fisheries and CADA Minister Sorokhaibam Rajen, TA & Hills, Transport and GAD Minister Shri Vungzagin Valte, CAF & PD, Law, Labour and Employment Minister Thokchom Satyabrata, MAHUD, Social Welfare and Cooperation Minister Okram Henry, MPs, MLAs, Chief Secretary and high ranking officials of the State.