IMPHAL, Feb 21: In a significant move to address the ongoing crisis in the state, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla chaired a crucial review meeting on Friday at the Manipur Secretariat (South Block) in Imphal. The meeting, which brought together key officials such as Chief Secretary P.K. Singh, Commissioner (Home) N. Ashok Kumar, Secretary (Health) Sumant Singh, Commissioner (Education-S) Gyan Prakash, and Joint Secretary Mercina R. Panmei, focused on several vital issues impacting Manipur’s development and recovery.
This meeting marked the second held by the Governor at the Manipur Secretariat following the imposition of President’s Rule in the state. A major topic of discussion was the overall budgetary allocations for various departments, where Governor Bhalla reviewed the financial provisions and their effective utilization. He also sought updates on the rehabilitation efforts for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), many of whom are residing in relief camps across the state.
One of the key areas the Governor focused on was the progress of skill development initiatives for IDPs. Bhalla inquired about the efforts to create employment opportunities in the private sector for these displaced individuals. To address this, he directed senior officials to implement the “Hunar Se Rojgar” initiative, a Government of India program under the Ministry of Tourism. This initiative is designed to equip youth, particularly those affected by displacement, with marketable skills to ensure self-reliance. The Governor emphasized that this program would be crucial in providing both hope and livelihood for those in dire need.
In a related development, Lt. Gen. Vikas Lakhera, Director General of Assam Rifles, called on Governor Bhalla at Raj Bhavan in Imphal. During the meeting, Lt. Gen. Lakhera briefed the Governor on the operational and deployment activities of Assam Rifles in the region, highlighting the security measures in place to maintain peace and stability in the state.
