Bharat Mata ki Jai!

Bharat Mata ki Jai!

Bharat Mata ki Jai!

Honourable Governor of Manipur, Shri Ajay Bhalla ji, other officials of the State Administration, and my dear brothers and sisters of Manipur! Namaskar!

Today, projects worth thousands of crores of rupees have either been inaugurated or their foundation stones laid for the development of Manipur. These projects will enhance your ease of living, strengthen infrastructure here, and create new opportunities of employment for the youth of Manipur – the sons and daughters of this land.

Friends,

Among the works that have commenced today, two projects are particularly significant. The ‘Manipur Urban Roads Project’, with an expenditure of more than ₹3,600 crore, and the Manipur Infotech Development Project, with an expenditure of more than ₹500 crore. These projects will strengthen road infrastructure in Imphal and infuse new energy into the bright future of Manipur. I extend my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to the people of Manipur for all these developmental initiatives.

Friends,

After Independence, the major cities in the western and southern parts of the country witnessed development, dreams were nurtured there, and the youth found new opportunities. Now, this 21st century belongs to the East, to the North-East. That is why the Indian Government has consistently prioritised the development of Manipur. As a result, the growth rate of Manipur has been steadily rising. Before 2014, the growth rate of Manipur was less than 1%, not even 1%. Today, Manipur is advancing many times faster than before. A new era of infrastructure construction has begun in Manipur. I am glad that the pace of road construction, including National Highways, has increased manifold in Manipur. Rapid work is also underway to connect villages across the State with roads.

Friends,

Imphal is a city full of possibilities. I see Imphal as one of those cities of a Viksit Bharat (developed India) which will fulfil the dreams of our youth and accelerate the nation’s development. With this vision, numerous projects under the Smart City Mission have been completed here. Work on several other projects worth hundreds of crores is progressing rapidly.

Friends,

Whether in Imphal or in other regions of Manipur, new opportunities are emerging for start-ups and technology-based industries. The IT Special Economic Zone will strengthen these possibilities. The first building of this Zone has already been completed. There had been a long-standing demand for a new Civil Secretariat building in Manipur. Now this building too is ready, and it will further strengthen the spirit of Nagrik Devo Bhava – “The citizen is akin to God.”

Friends,

Many of our people from Manipur frequently travel to Kolkata and Delhi. To ensure affordable accommodation there, Manipur Bhavans have been constructed in both cities. These Bhavans will particularly help the daughters of Manipur. And when children are safe there, parents here will also be less worried.

Friends,

Our government, with full sensitivity, is striving to reduce the hardships in your lives. I am aware that several regions of Manipur face severe problems due to floods. The government is also working on numerous projects to address this challenge.

Friends,

Manipur is that state of the nation where mothers and sisters are at the forefront of the economy. The tradition of Ima Keithel is a great testimony to this. I regard women’s power as the pivot of Bharat's development and of Atmanirbhar Bharat. We see this inspiration right here in Manipur. After the formation of our government here, we had begun the construction of special markets for women, the Ima Markets. I am pleased that today four Ima Markets have also been inaugurated. These markets will greatly benefit the sisters of Manipur.

Friends,

It is our mission to make the life of every citizen easier. Manipur has witnessed those days when bringing goods here was extremely difficult. Everyday items were beyond the reach of ordinary families. Over the past years, our government has freed Manipur from those old troubles. I bring you yet another piece of good news. Our government wishes to increase your savings and make your life even easier. That is why GST has now been considerably reduced. This will bring double benefits to the people of Manipur. Everyday essentials such as soap, shampoo, hair oil, clothes, shoes – all will become cheaper. The prices of cement and materials used for building houses will also fall. The government has also significantly reduced GST on hotels and food. This will benefit guest house owners, taxi operators, dhaba owners, and will also help boost tourism here.

Friends,

Manipur has a rich heritage dating back thousands of years. The roots of its culture are strong and deep. Manipur is the jewel adorning the crown of Maa Bharti. Therefore, we must continually strengthen Manipur’s developmental image. Any form of violence in Manipur is most unfortunate. Such violence is a grave injustice not only to our ancestors but also to future generations. Hence, we must collectively advance Manipur on the path of peace and development. We must draw inspiration from Manipur’s contribution in Bharat's freedom struggle and in the defence of the nation. It was on this soil of Manipur that the Indian National Army first hoisted Bharat's flag. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had described Manipur as the gateway to Bharat's Independence. This very land has witnessed innumerable sacrifices of brave souls. Drawing inspiration from every such great personality of Manipur, our government has moved forward. Our government has also taken another major step. In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mount Harriet has been renamed as Mount Manipur. This is a tribute from 140 crore Indians to the freedom fighters of Manipur.

Friends,

Even today, many sons and daughters of Manipur are safeguarding Maa Bharati in different parts of the country. In Operation Sindoor, the world has witnessed the valour of Bharat's army. Our soldiers unleashed such might that the Pakistani army was left in utter disarray. In this success of Bharat, the courage of many brave sons and daughters of Manipur was equally present. Today, I pay homage to the bravery of one such valiant martyr – Deepak Chingakham. The nation will always remember his supreme sacrifice during Operation Sindoor.

Friends,

I recall that in 2014, when I came here, I had said one thing. I had said that without Manipuri culture, Indian culture is incomplete, and without the players of Manipur, Indian sports too are incomplete. The youth of Manipur are those who dedicate their all for the pride of the Tricolour. We must not allow this identity to be suppressed under the shadow of violence.

Friends,

Today, when Bharat is emerging as a global powerhouse in sports, the responsibility of the youth of Manipur is even greater. That is why the Indian Government chose Manipur for the first National Sports University. Through the Khelo India Scheme and the Target Olympic Podium Schemes, many athletes from Manipur are being encouraged today. Modern sports infrastructure is also being created here for the youth of Manipur. To promote polo, the Marjing Polo Complex has been established here, with the world’s tallest polo statue. An Olympian Park has also been created to honour the Olympians of this land. Only a few days ago, the government announced the National Sports Policy – the Khelo Bharat Niti. In the coming years, the youth of Manipur will gain immensely from this.

Friends,

Our government is consistently working to bring peace and stability to Manipur, to secure the interests of its people, and to restore normalcy for those compelled to live in camps. For the displaced, 7,000 new houses have been sanctioned. Recently, the Central Government has also announced a special package of about ₹3,000 crore for Manipur. Out of this, a provision of more than ₹500 crore has been made to assist the displaced. Ensuring that those affected by violence return to normal life at the earliest is our topmost priority. The newly constructed headquarters for the Manipur Police will also help you immensely in this regard.

Friends,

From this sacred soil of Manipur today, I also wish to speak to my brothers and sisters of Nepal. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Nepal is Bharat's friend and a close companion. We are bound by shared history and faith, and we move forward together. Today, on behalf of 140 crore Indians, I warmly congratulate Smt Sushila ji on assuming charge as the Interim Prime Minister of Nepal. I am confident that she will pave the way for peace, stability and prosperity in Nepal. Her assuming office as the first woman Prime Minister of Nepal is a fine example of women empowerment. Today, I also wish to commend every individual in Nepal who, even amidst instability, placed democratic values above all else.

Friends,

There is another remarkable aspect of the recent developments in Nepal, which has not attracted much attention. Over the past two or three days, young men and women of Nepal have been seen working hard with a spirit of purity and dedication, cleaning and painting the streets of Nepal. I too have seen their pictures on social media. Their positive mindset and positive actions are not only inspiring but also a clear indication of Nepal’s new dawn. I extend my best wishes to Nepal for its bright future.

Friends,

In this 21st century, our country is moving forward with a single goal – the goal of a Viksit Bharat. And for the achievement of this goal, the development of Manipur is equally essential. Our Manipur is filled with limitless potential. It is our duty not to deviate even a single step from the path of development. Manipur lacks no capability; what is needed is that we continuously strengthen the path of dialogue, build a strong bridge of harmony between the hills and the valley. I am confident that Manipur will emerge as a robust centre of the nation’s growth. Once again, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you for these developmental projects.

Now, say with me:

Bharat Mata ki Jai.

Bharat Mata ki Jai.

Bharat Mata ki Jai.

Thank you very much.

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MJPS/VJ/IG