The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh has complimented the Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri N. Biren Singh for having successfully managed to get nearly five-month old economic blockade lifted which had been imposed by United Naga Council (UNC) in the State. Dr Jitendra Singh made this observation when Shri Biren Singh, currently on a visit to New Delhi, called on him today to discuss a wide range of State related issues. He said, the Biren Singh Government was sworn in on the 15th of March and after just five days, i.e. on 21st March, the United Naga Council decided to lift the 139 days old economic blockade following successful engagement in dialogue and deliberations with the new State government.
Dr Jitendra Singh also appreciated Manipur Government’s decision to abolish interview for selection to Grade 3 and 4 posts and hoped that the other States, which are lagging far behind in carrying out this path breaking reform of DoPT under the Government led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, will also pick a cue from the Manipur Government which had done so within two months of its formation. Such a step, he said, will send a great and encouraging message to the youth, particularly in a sensitive State like Manipur which has gone through unfortunate phases of strife and violence.
The new experiment of introducing air clinics in helicopters, Dr Jitendra Singh said, is also being worked out with the concerned Ministries of Aviation and Health. But, he said, we must acknowledge that this idea had first originated from the State of Manipur itself. Dr Jitendra Singh said, the Central Government is committed to bring the North-Eastern States at par with the other States of the country and in this context, he referred to a number of recent initiatives by Central Government undertaken in Manipur which include the setting up of a latest state-of-the-art Sports University in the State.