Shyamkumar inaugurates three retail outlet markets

Imphal, December 10, 2018 (DIPR): Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister Shri Thounaojam Shyamkumar today inaugurated three retail outlet markets constructed under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) central scheme under the aegis of Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department, Government of Manipur. A retail outlet market was inaugurated at Tumukhong village under the Andro Assembly Constituency, Imphal East district and one each at Island Risophung and Island Block of Saikul Assembly Constituency, Kangpokpi district.

Speaking at the inaugural function at Tumukhong village, Minister Shyamkumar said that the retail outlet market inaugurated in the last village of the Andro Assembly Constituency, located near the Thoubal Multipurpose dam, will surely benefit the market as it is located between Phungyar and Saikul Assembly Constituencies of Ukhrul and Kangpokpi districts respectively.

The Minister advised the people of the village to cultivate seasonal crops and plant organic vegetables so that the paddy fields are not left barren. He also recommended the cultivators/farmers and people of the area to use social media platforms by uploading the pictures of the produces/products available in the market which will create awareness and attract more buyers.

He further said the main objective of constructing the retail outlet market is to increase the revenue of the people of the area, to improve the health of the consumers and to maintain the environment. Opining that opening of such retail outlet market will ease the congestion in the markets of Imphal, he advised the people of the State to work for atleast an hour in the paddy field or in garden to improve their overall health.

Speaking on the prevailing conditions of Government Schools in Andro AC, Minister Shyamkumar gave assurance that the teachers will impart education with the help of digital technology in the Tumukhong Upper Primary School from the next academic session. He also said the required toilets will be constructed at the earliest at the School. All stakeholders must work hard so that Government schools can once again become pioneers in the State, he added.

Informing that the free admissions in the Government schools in the Andro Constituency will end on December 20 this year, he said kitchen gardens have been introduced this year at all the Government schools in the constituency where students have been sincerely participating in the plantation. He also said the focus in on improving grass-root level education for the students.

Advising the women of the State to stop consuming tobacco products as it can form deadly disease like cancer, he appealed the people of Tumukhong village to give list of vendors so that they can be provided soft loans and requested the people to give full support to the Government so that more developmental programs can be implemented.

In his speech at Island village in Kangpokpi district, Minister Th. Shyamkumar said that the area was once a flourishing market place before an unfortunate incident took place between two communities. Stating that the retail outlet market is constructed at appropriate place as bank, police station, SDO office is located near by the area, he asked the people to complete the construction of toilet for the retail outlet market by 23^rd December of this year for which he assured financial assistance.

He appealed to the people of the Island village not to construct any private buildings near the retail outlet market as there is a plan for construction of bigger shopping market with the help of Tribal Affairs and Hills Department, Government of Manipur for which the Chief Minister and concerned minister will be consulted.

Th. Shyamkumar further asked the people to submit a list of pineapple growers/farmers so that financial assistance can be given to them before the Christmas Festival and he asked the vendors of the retail outlet market to open bank accounts so that they can be given soft loans from the State Government.  He also advised them to use social media to make awareness of the retail outlet market and attract more buyers. He further asked the people of the area to get their children free admission at Government schools in Moirangpurel, where teachings will be provided using digital technology.

Informing that the Moirangpurel Hospital will become fully functional from 1^st January next year, he said six doctors will be engaged for treating patients 24X7 related to gynae, paediatrics, medicine and facilities for blood test, x-ray will be available in the hospital. Stating that the Raj Medicity has been tied up (PPP model) for providing treatments at the hospital, he said except for trauma and other serious cases other treatments will be provided in the hospital.