Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh announced that a VFS (Visa Facilitation Services) Centre will be launched on 5th August 2019 at the Citizen Facilitation Centre near 2 MR Gate, Imphal. Such VISA services centre would be first of its kind in the entire NorthEast region. He made such announcement during the loan distribution function to Self Help Groups, fish farmers and individuals by Manipur State Cooperative Bank and SBI held at Chief Minister’s Secretariat today.           

Speaking as Chief Guest of the function, Chief Minister said that there is a positive change in the State. Bandhs, blockades, strikes have no place in the State. He said that we need to work collectively to bring inclusive development and prosperity in the State. Transparency for development is the need of the hour, he added.           

Chief Minister stated that since its inception, the vision and objective of the present government is to extend every possible help to the needy and poor people of the State.

The government has initiated various initiatives such as Meeyamgi Numit, Hill Leaders’s Day, GTV etc. to hear out the grievances of the people. He mentioned that the government has provided loans to various individuals and groups to improve their livelihoods.

Narrating how he struggled to get a loan in the late 80s, Chief Minister opined that the government had instructed the banks to stop harassing the loan applicants.

On the occasion, Chief Minister also announced that the Fish Feed Factory has started functioning and started production of fish feeds which will be made available in the market. He mentioned that the price of the fish feeds which contains 24-28 % of protein would be available at Rs. 55, which is Rs 25 less than the present market price of the fish feed coming from outside the State.

The government is planning to increase maize and soya bean production from next year. Maize and soya bean seeds will be distributed to the farmers soon so that the raw materials for the production of fish feeds would be readily available in the State.

Chief Minister stated that another Fish Feed Factory will be installed at Thanga area, Bishnupur district soon. Out of the total estimated amount of around Rs. 2 crores for setting up the factory, the Centre will provide a sum of Rs 1 crore and another amount of Rs. 80 lakhs would be bear by the Self Help Groups of Fish farmers. With the setting up of this fish feed factory, it will help in doubling the fish production in the State, he added.

Managing Director of Manipur State Cooperative Bank (MSCB), Shri Ahanthem Subash said that this is the 3rd Credit Linkage Programme organised by the Bank. The Ministry of Rural Development has given the ‘Letter of Appreciation’ to the MSCB for outstanding performance in Self Help Group-bank Linkage in 2018-19, he added.

During the function, Chief Minister disbursed a loan amount of Rs 2.58 crores to 155 Self Help Groups, 16 deserving individuals who have applied through Meeyamgi Numit and Hill Leaders’ Day and 38 fish farmers of the State.

Deputy Chairman of State Planning Board, S. Rajen, Deputy Speaker K. Robindro, MLA of Sekmai AC, H. Dingo, MLA of Yaiskul AC, Th. Satyabrata, Principal Secretary (Cooperation) J. C. Ramthanga, Principal Secretary (Finance) Rakesh Ranjan, Secretary to CM, Ningthoujam Geoffrey, Director Fisheries Bidyarani Ayekpam, officials of MSCB, SBI and others attended the function.