Ccpur DC Krishna Kumar Highlights District’s Progress, Governance, and Welfare Initiatives on Independence Day

The district-level celebration of the 80th Independence Day was held today at Peace Ground, Tuibong. Krishna Kumar, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of the district, hoisted the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute as the Chief Guest from the parade contingents. Jay Barange, IPS, SDPO, Churachandpur, commanded the 34 march-past contingents, including the Military Band from 27 Sector Assam Rifles. Students of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Tuinom, led the gathering in singing the National Song Vande Mataram and the National Anthem with patriotic fervour.

For the first time in the district, tableaux from the Social Welfare Department, Forest Department, Health Department, MSRLM and Agriculture Department were showcased in the ceremonial parade. The tableaux, which followed the marching contingents, showcased the departments’ programmes, activities and public-service initiatives. Large banners showcasing the programmes, activities and achievements of various departments were displayed along the long wall of the Peace Ground.

Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, the Deputy Commissioner said the district administration remained committed to the values enshrined in the Constitution, the rule of law, transparency and accountability. He said initiatives such as the Jan Kalyan Shivirs, held from June 17 to 19, and the Jan Sunwai (Public Grievance and Entitlement) camps being organized at every sub-divisional headquarters from August 13 were intended to bring government services closer to people and enable grievances to be addressed locally.

Kumar said improving healthcare remained a priority, noting that advanced orthopaedic treatment, including total hip replacement surgery, had recently been introduced at the district hospital. The long-pending license of the district hospital blood bank had also been renewed, he said.

He stressed the importance of investing in early childhood development, saying Anganwadi Centres were being upgraded to improve supplementary nutrition, immunisation and pre-school education for children below six years, besides services for pregnant women and lactating mothers.

The administration was also implementing programmes aimed at improving the welfare and empowerment of women and children. The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao programme was being pursued to empower girls and prevent child marriage, while the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan was underway in the district. The One Stop Centre (OSC-SAKHI) was providing shelter and legal assistance to victims of domestic violence, he said.

The Deputy Commissioner said the Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission was facilitating women’s financial inclusion and livelihood creation through self-help groups.

On the rural economy, the DC urged officials to ensure that farmers and young people did not remain mere beneficiaries of government schemes but were enabled to become entrepreneurs and active participants in economic development. Hybrid vegetable seeds, organic manure and fruit seedlings were being distributed to eligible farmers through the Horticulture, Sericulture and Agriculture departments.

He also cited opportunities under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme and PM Vishwakarma. The district administration, in collaboration with the Tourism Department and TATA STRIVE, had selected batches of young men and women for skill-development training, with placement opportunities being provided to those who successfully completed the training.

The Deputy Commissioner also said several mission-mode programmes were being implemented to improve basic living conditions, including the Jal Jeevan Mission through Functional Household Tap Connections and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin. Construction of National Highways was also among the infrastructure initiatives being undertaken in the district.

He described drug abuse as a major threat to the future of young people and the wider social fabric. Awareness and enforcement activities were being carried out under the Drug-Free India Campaign and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. He appreciated the district police and Central forces for their efforts against drugs and drug peddlers and sought continued public cooperation.

The Deputy Commissioner also referred to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, aimed at ensuring that entries were authenticated and the rolls were accurate. He appreciated the work of Electoral Registration Officers, Assistant Electoral Registration Officers and election staff and thanked the public for its cooperation.

On environmental protection, Kumar said the Forest Department and other line departments were conducting an intensive plantation drive under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naamcampaign. He called for sustainable and viable alternative livelihoods to improve quality of life while ensuring inter-generational equity.

He also urged residents to support the administration’s efforts to keep Churachandpur town clean.

Referring to the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign being observed from August 9 to 17, Mr. Kumar said the initiative was aimed at fostering patriotism, national integration and respect for the National Flag, particularly among young people.

The Deputy Commissioner called for coordinated efforts by government departments and citizens to ensure that welfare and development programmes resulted in tangible improvements in people’s lives and contributed to the long-term development of the district.

Concluding his address, Krishna Kumar reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to inclusive growth, citizen welfare and sustainable progress, urging residents to work collectively for a cleaner, healthier and more prosperous Churachandpur.

The programme also featured cultural performances and traditional dances by Rayburn College, JNV Tuinom and the HSA Churachandpur College unit.

Kumar presented appreciation certificates to 34 government employees and institutions, 65 personnel from the Manipur State Police, IRB and CAPF, two organizations - the District Hospital, Churachandpur and NEST Lamka, four Village Authorities, three CSOs and one private company in recognition of their outstanding and valuable public services to the district.

As part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), a mass pledge-taking ceremony against drug abuse was held, with Lalrobul Fimate, ADC, administering the oath.

A publication of the Directorate of Information & Public Relations, Manipur, titled Manipur Today, highlighting the activities and achievements of various government schemes and programmes implemented across the State, was also distributed to dignitaries and members of the public.

Independence Day was also celebrated at the respective sub-divisional headquarters of Singngat and Henglep. In Singngat, Samuel Lhungdim, SDO/SDM, was the Chief Guest, and nine individuals were awarded appreciation certificates for their outstanding performance. At Henglep, MangminthangGangte, SDO/SDM, and staff attended the celebrations. (DIO Ccpur)