Yumnam Khemchand Singh says 143 villages identified under Vibrant Villages Programme II for border development.
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IMPHAL — Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday said that 143 villages have been identified in the state under the Vibrant Villages Programme–II.
The Vibrant Villages Programme–II is a central sector scheme designed for improvement of border village infrastructure, livelihood opportunities, better connectivity and enhanced service delivery across 17 states.
The chief minister was speaking at the one-day state-level workshop on the Vibrant Villages Programme–II held in Imphal under the aegis of the Planning department.
Chief Secretary Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel and Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) Major General Gaurav Sharma were also present during the workshop.
Highlighting the state’s location, Khemchand said Manipur shares an international border with Myanmar and stressed the need to prioritise development in border areas.
He expressed gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for including five districts—Tengnoupal, Kamjong, Ukhrul, Chandel and Churachandpur—under the programme.
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Further, stressing the need for timely and coordinated implementation, he highlighted the role of the Planning department, district administrations, and security forces, including Assam Rifles, in ensuring effective implementation.
Invoking the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” the chief minister stated that the programme should benefit all sections of the people and expressed hope that the workshop would help improve coordination and delivery on the ground.
In his address, the chief secretary highlighted the need for proper planning and coordination with border guarding forces.
Stating that a gap analysis has been carried out to assess infrastructure and connectivity in border areas, Goel outlined key focus areas including road connectivity, telecom and 4G expansion under BharatNet, and electrification.
He stated that focused efforts in districts such as Churachandpur, Kamjong, Ukhrul and Tengnoupal are required.
Senior officers of the state government, deputy commissioners of Kamjong, Ukhrul, Churachandpur, Tengnoupal and Chandel, senior district officials, sector commanders, and other stakeholders attended the workshop which focused on development of border villages and improving coordination among departments and agencies.
Officials who could not attend physically also joined the workshop via video conferencing to discuss strategies, challenges, and implementation of the programme in the state.