Manipur celebrated its 50^th Statehood Day today. Presentation of march past by eight parade contingents was the main attraction of the State-level function held at the 1^st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground, Imphal.

Speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest, Chief Minister  N. Biren Singh informed proudly that Manipur had been positioned in the top three among the Northeast and the hilly states in India Innovative Index 2020, released by NITI Aayog on 20^th January. He gave credit for the achievement to everyone who had contributed to the development of the State including the Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary, DGP, every Government employees, CSOs, NGOs, Bank employees and media persons among others.

The Chief Minister further stated that the recognition given by NITI Aayog had proved that the state is moving towards an upward growth trend with new ideas, development at the grassroots level and considerable improvement in law and order. With the improvement in every field like balanced economic growth in valley and hill regions, good relations amongst different communities residing in the state and positive change in the mindset of the people had made the State an attraction point in the eye of everyone in the country, he added.

N. Biren Singh also observed that Manipur would be one of the best states in the country if everyone, regardless of their position, worked with sincerity and transparency and stood together against the evil of corruption. Expressing that the State had now come up with a trend of thanksgiving and appreciation to any development work being taken up, he appealed to the public to come up with positive suggestions and constructive criticism which are very necessary for a democracy.

Informing that foundation stone for construction of a water amusement park had been laid at Imphal East during December last year, he said that such spaces are necessary for everyone to spend their leisure time and live a better life. Apart from this, the State Government had obtained approval to construct Children Parks in seven different districts including Chandel, Churachandpur, Jiribam, Kangpokpi, Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul. Construction of 47 Primary Health Sub-Centres at rural and hill areas under Minority Department is also in the pipeline, he added.

The Chief Minister also stated that a temporary structure would be constructed at the site of Churachandpur Medical College, apart from construction work of the main building, to make it able to start its classes from the next academic session. Mentioning about the inauguration of Dolaithabi Barrage Project, Thoubal Project and reopening of Loktak Lifting Irrigation, he added that various other projects would also be ready for inauguration soon.

Stressing on the activities taken up for women empowerment in the State, he said that the Ima Markets had been constructed in hill and valley districts to provide exposure to the women, to use their skills and talents and contribute more in the economic development. He also appealed to every Government employee of the state to render their services with commitment and contribute more in making Manipur a successful state.

During the celebration, the Chief Minister also presented a cheque of five lakh rupees to the sister of (Late) Major Laishram Jyotin Singh under Major Jyotin Bravery Award.

Jugeshore Sharma, Commanding Officer, 10^th IRB was the parade commander of today’s march past contingents which includes 5^th Battalion Manipur Rifles, Khongjaron; 8^th IRB; Combined Civil Police (Male) Imphal East and West; 9^th Indian Reserve Mahila Battalion; Home Guard (Male), Combined VDF, Imphal East and West; Traffic Police and CID-Technical and Bomb Squad contingent.

It may be mentioned the Government had earlier planned to celebrate the Statehood Day with large arrangements as this year marks the Golden Jubilee of the attainment of Statehood. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state cabinet had decided to do away with the plan and to celebrate it with restriction. Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary, DGP, top civil and police officials also attended the function among others.