Self-Appraisal by PM Modi in Manipur, claims "Transformation through Transportation"

Guwahati, January 4, 2019:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday visited Manipur to address people as a part of the Lok Sabha election campaign. In Manipur, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for several projects and schemes.

Modi also unveiled various projects including Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Moreh which he claimed will boost tourism, business, promote custom clearance, foreign currency exchange, immigration clearance, etc.

He also unveiled the ten thousand metric tonnes FCI food storage godown at Sawombung, Eco-tourism complex at Thangal Surungand and various water supply schemes.

The PM also announced three new Ema Markets for the women in the state and also dedicated the 400 kV double circuit Silchar-Imphal line.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister paid homage to the brave freedom fighters, especially the women freedom fighters of Manipur. He recalled that undivided India's first interim government had been established at Moirang in Manipur. He also recalled the support that the Azad Hind Fauj had received from people in the North East. He said Manipur has an important role to play in New India's growth story.

The Prime Minister said that projects worth over Rs. 1500 crore have either been inaugurated, or the foundation stone has been laid for them, at today's event. He said these projects are going to improve "ease of living" for the people of the State.

He said he has himself visited the North-East about thirty times in the last four and a half years. He said the North East is being transformed, and projects stuck for decades are being completed.

He said that the projects being inaugurated today reflect the Union Government's commitment to development. He said the Dolaithabi Barrage project had been conceived in 1987, but was sped up only after 2014, and is now complete. He also mentioned the tourism projects being inaugurated today. Elaborating on the more energetic and purposeful approach to project completion in the Union Government, the Prime Minister explained how the PRAGATI system set up in the Prime Minister's Office enables monitoring of stalled projects through video conferencing. He said that these PRAGATI meetings have so far resolved issues related to stalled projects worth nearly 12 lakh crore rupees.

The Prime Minister said that the Union Government and the State Government of Manipur are both working with the vision of 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas'. He praised the "Go to hills, go to villages" programme of the State Government.

The Prime Minister explained how better road, rail and air connectivity is being provided to the North East, with the overall vision of "Transformation through Transportation."

The Prime Minister mentioned the progress made by Manipur in other sectors such as Swachh Bharat, sanitation, and development of the district of Chandel.

The Prime Minister said Manipur has also been a front-runner in the field of women empowerment. Mentioning the sporting icon Mary Kom, who hails from Manipur, the Prime Minister said that the North-East has a key role to play in making India a sports superpower. He said transparency in training and selection of athletes is reflecting in better performances by India in international sporting competitions.

Earlier, Chief Minister N Biren Singh also spoke during the occasion.