Copter service to cover all interior districts: CM N Biren Singh

IMPHAL: Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Thursday informed the assembly that e-tendering process for a full-fledged helicopter service in the state is in the final stages.

The ongoing passenger chopper service is on trial, Biren said, while taking part in a discussion on the Motion of Thanks on the governor's address on the second day of the 7th session (budget session) of the 11th Manipur legislative assembly.

He added that the state government would put in all efforts to cover almost all the interior districts of the state by the service.

Biren said the governor's address not only extensively mentioned the development work accomplished by the present government but also sheda light on the future plans and vision. He added that as Manipur has both hills and valleys, the present government felt the need for a topographical need-based budget to bring about inclusive development.

The Centre has selected 90 backward districts, including Tamenglong and Noney, to provide extra funds for development under Hill Area Development Fund (HADF), he said, adding that two districts will receive Rs 90 crore additional funds for taking up various development works.

Informing that the HADF is a continuous system, Biren informed the House that the state government would recommend other backward districts of the state as well for inclusion in the list of beneficiaries. "The state government is committed to uplift all the backward districts." he said.

Informing that development of sports infrastructure is being taken up in different areas of the state under the Khelo India scheme, Biren said the government has also plans to install outdoor gyms in vaious places. Health and family welfare minister L Jayantakumar Singh moved the discussion on the Motion of Thanks on the governor's address. Later, the House unanimously adopted the motion.