CM Khemchand says he spent nearly 8 hours a day thinking about ways to address the issues confronting the State

Chief Minister of Manipur Yumman Khemchand said that he spent nearly 8 hours a day thinking about ways to address the issues confronting the State and find solutions to the prevailing challenges and that this leaves him with limited time to focus on developmental works.

The chief minister made the statement in Thursday at the inaugural function of  two day INNOTECH FEST 2.0, held under the theme, “Innovate - Create - Connect”.organised by the Department of Science and Technology, Manipur, in collaboration with the Manipur Innovation Foundation, at Manipur Science Centre, Takyelpat, Imphal.

Khemchand said that the prevailing law & order situation in the State has compelled him to spend 50 percent of his time in resolving the crisis since assuming office.

Underscoring the importance of Science and Technology in nation-building, the chief minister stated that the active participation and contribution of the country’s emerging youths are essential to strengthen the sector and realise Prime Minister  Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The chief minister also emphasized the need for integrity in public service and stated that those holding positions of power and leadership in the government must remain honest and sincere in their efforts towards the development of the State and the nation.

Highlighting the importance of agriculture in the State’s economy, Khemchand  stated that the agriculture sector remains the largest contributor to Manipur’s economy. The chief minister further stated that the government has taken steps to ensure the smooth and timely distribution of subsidised urea fertilisers to farmers.

Recalling the recurring complaints regarding the distribution of urea fertilisers to the farmers in previous years,  Khemchand said that he had personally called the concerned officers of the Agriculture Department to enquire about the distribution mechanism.

The chief minister also instructed the officials not to heed to any political pressure or influential individuals and ensure that the fertilisers reaches the genuine beneficiaries.

Following the intervention and discussions with the department’s officers, the distribution process has been carried out smoothly this year, Khemchand stated while adding that his Government has not received any complaints from farmers regarding the non-availability or non-distribution of subsidised urea fertilisers.

On the distribution of Rabi crop seeds, the Chief Minister stated that while seeds were generally distributed in February month in previous years, the government has ensured their advance distribution beginning from October this year. The initiative is aimed at enabling farmers to undertake double-cropping system in a timely manner.

The Chief Minister also urged officials of the concerned departments to ensure the efficient implementation of projects funded by the Central Government and stressed the importance of submitting utilisation certificates on time.