Manipur eco reviving, efforts on to expedite delayed projects: CM Biren Singh

Guwahati: Despite the ethnic clashes which has crushed the state for the last one and a half years, Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh claimed that state's economy is reviving. He said GST collection has shown an 18% growth during May to September 2024, compared to the same period last year.

In a series of posts on X, Biren Singh stated: "Sharing some key achievements that prove progress is possible, even through the challenges Manipur has faced over the past one and a half years. The state government has been making various efforts towards economic recovery following the unrest that started on 3 May 2023. Following these efforts, our state's economy has shown recovery. The state's own resources (including state GST) have shown an 18% growth in the period of May to September 2024 compared to similar period in 2023".

"We have made various efforts to expedite delayed projects. We are resolving various land related matters for National Highway and Railway projects. Solutions have been found for land related matters for Railways and about 50% of pending land has been made available in the last one year for National Highway Projects. In the last year, we have also started some major projects. The Lamphelpat Water Body Rejuvenation Project, with a cost of Rs 650 crore, is under implementation. This project will enable us to prevent floods in greater Imphal area and also provide an open space for citizens and alternate drinking water source".

Biren said, "In the last year, we have launched and started implementation of ' College Fagathansi Mission' with an initial outlay of Rs 60 crore to improve government colleges across the state to provide quality education. This is in continuation of the 'School Fagathansi Mission' which we had started in 2019 to improve the quality of government schools."

The ethnic violence between the non-tribals Meiteis and tribal Kuki-Zo broke out on May 3 last year after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.