Month: November 2014

IMPHAL, October 31: A fortnight long Barrier Free campaign organised by the Handicapped Development (HD) Foundation concluded today with a seminar on ‘Role of parents in creating barrier free environment’ at the Manipur Press Club.

The HD Foundation has been organizing the campaign every year since 2008 and this year’s edition was organised under the theme “Lets Smile Together and Lets Walk Together” commencing from October 17.

A pamphlet issued by the foundation during the concluding function defined barrier free environment as one which allows people to move around safely, independently, and without restriction, where the environment could be public or private buildings, roads, transportations, public places, educational institutions, etc.

It said the main objective of organising the campaign was “to create an environment that is accessible and useable by everyone in the society, including people with disabilities.”

It said it is necessary to create a barrier free environment because barriers make the environment unsafe and causes high level of difficulties for the people.

Elaborating on the need to create a barrier free society

To be a better and develop society where each and every person could get full opportunities and equal participants need to understand why and how these barriers must be removed; this loss of opportunity and participation is not only a lost for the individual but also a loss of the society, it said.

Unlike physical and systematic barriers attitudinal barriers that often lead to illegal discrimination cannot be overcome simply through laws, it said.

Ways to break down barriers suggested includes familiarity- getting people with and without disabilities to mingle as co-workers, associates and social acquaintances.

In time, most of the attitudes will give way to comfort, respect and friendship, the pamphlet said. Talking with the stakeholders of the society to adopt universal design in any undergoing and future construction, example to put ramp, lift facilities with auditory systems, putting proper sign board at proper places, etc and making and implementing law assuring the participation of persons with disabilities in all the office or organization, were other suggestions to break down barriers in a society.

Today’s seminar was attended by secretary general of the foundation Dr S Jasowanta Singh; editor of Naharolgee Thoudang, Kh Loya; chairmen of HD Foundation, Dr Ch Rupachandra Singh.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/hd-foundation-appeals-for-barrier-free-environment-for-handicapped/

IMPHAL, October 31: The locals of Andro have appealed to the concerned authorities of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana to maintain transparency in implementation of the programme, which is to be carried out under the Manipur State Road Development Agency, in their areas.

Interacting with the media today at Sana Pokpa Chakpa Andro Panam Ningthou Meihounirol Pana Loshang, the Khulakpa of Andro Chingakham Gandhar said that the 10th phase of PMGSY road development of Manipur include a large portion of Andro area under Imphal East District.

He continued that the roads included under Andro Assembly constituency covered by the scheme are, Keithelmanbi to Moirangpurel, Maringthel to Machengpat-1 and Moirangpurel to Etham according to the notification of MSRDA.

Further he said that in this regard, a meeting was convened at Andro, which was attended by various civil organisations like All Andro Youth Club Association, All Andro Meira Paibi Association, and Eastern Schedule cast Student`s Union Andro along with the representative of Andro Nagar Panchayat Councillor.

He pointed out that the road Maringthel to Machengpat-I is about 11.80 Km and the total estimate cost is about Rs 69,01,877.94, before adding that the work should not be given to some agencies who have applied with the lowest tender below the government scheduled rate. This they said is because those who bid too low seldom maintain construction standards.

He also maintained that it is a rare opportunity for the people of Andro to have such kind of work being taken up in the area, and the roads of Andro have not been black-topped since they were constructed. Such opportunity should not be wasted for individual benefits, he added.

Andro Nagar Panchayat Councillor of Ward Number 5, Y Sajaoba, who was also present in the media interaction, informed that the works which are included in the 10th Phase of PMGSY was proposed by the people of Andro after consultation with the local MLA, Th Shyamkumar and Andro Nagar Panchayat members in the year 2006.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/andro-locals-appeal-for-transparency-and-quality-maintenance-in-pmgsy-work/

IMPHAL, Oct 31: The National Unity Day was observed at the 1st Manipur Rifles Ground as a part of its nationwide celebration to commemorate the birthday of Sardar Vallabhai Patel, also known as the Iron Man of India, who was responsible for unifying more than 500 princely states of India after the British left the country.

Speaking as the chief guest of the function, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi said that the vast country of India that we know today was formed due to the ingenuity and bold decisions of Sardar Patel who was also the first Home Minsiter of post independent India.

He played a crucial role in making the constitution of India by appointing BR Ambedkar as the chairman of the drafting committee and was awarded with the country’s highest civilian award ‘ Bharat Ratna’ in 1991.

Taking the pledge of National Unity, the Chief Minister appealed for the maintaining the unity of the country.

In the function presided by Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, also the Home minister, CM Okram Ibobi led others in taking the pledge of National Unity.

He also inspected the parade of various contingents before the commencement of the function.

The contingents which participated in the parade were Manipur Rifles male contingent, IRB male contingent, Civil Police male contingent one, Civil Police male contingent two and 9th IRB female contingent. The combined band contingent of 1st MR, 1st IRB and MPTC also took part in the parade.

The parade was commanded by 8th IRB commandant Ningshen Vashum of the MPTC.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/natonal-unity-day-observed-in-1st-mr-ground/

IMPHAL, October 31: The Governor and the Chief sent out their warm wishes to the people of Manipur on the occasion of Kut festival.

Governor Dr KK Paul extended his greeting to the people of Manipur, particularly the Kuki-Chin-Mizo communities on the happy and joyous occasion of Kut festival, 2014 and said Kut is a post harvest festival and is celebrated with full of gaiety as a thanksgiving to the Almighty for a bountiful harvest.

It symbolizes peace, harmony and unity rising above the barriers of caste, creed and religion, said a message of the Governor.

The Governor also expressed hope that the spirit of Kut will spread the message of oneness, strengthening the social fabric more than ever and bring prosperity to all the communities in the State.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh also conveyed his heartiest greetings to the people of Manipur especially the Kuki-Chin-Mizo brethrens on the occasion of Kut festival which is being celebrated on November 1.

A message said the spirit of the spirit of Kut is all about sharing, understanding, harmonious co-existence, co-operation and merriment. Kut festival has now become a prominent festival of Manipur because of its secular and all encompassing nature of the celebration, the Chief Minister’s message read.

Let Kut 2014 spread the message of love, peace, compassion and forgiveness among the people of Manipur. I am confident that the celebration of the festival in its true spirit will help in ensuring peaceful co-existence among all the ethnic groups, the age-old tradition of the people of the State, it concluded.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/gov-and-cm-greet-people-on-kut/

IMPHAL, Oct 31: A three-star level hotel accommodation Hotel Yaophaba, the place, the people, at your service, MG Avenue near the City Police Station was inaugurated today by deputy Chief Minister Gaikhaingam.

After the inauration, Gaikhangam said that comfortable accommodation is the need of the hour in the State as many international visitors are expcted during the Sangai Festival which will be held in the month of November.

The inauguration was also attended by minister Commerce & industries, Sericulture, Veterinary & Animal Husbandary Govindas Konthoujam; minister Education Moirangthem Okendro and Minister IFCD Ngamthong Haokipd; minister PHED & Labour I Hemochandra; Saikul MLA Yamthong Haokip; Lamlai MLA Ksh Biren Singh; Ex MLA Bijoy Koijam as president and guests of honour respectively.

Manipur still lacks star hotels although we are capable of holding international level festivals, he said.

He said Manipur has many a wealthy persons and they need to invest in a productive manner like in such star hotels.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/gaikhangam-inaugurates-states-second-3star-hotel/

IMPHAL, October 31: The State government today joined the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee in observing the Rashtriya Sangklap Day commemorating the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

The State Government today observed the former prime Minister’s 30th death anniversary at the State Secretariate with Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh attending as the chief guest and the deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam as the president.

Indira Gandhi took oath as the first woman Prime Minister of India on January 24, 1966, the Chief Minister said.

Stating that Indira Gandhi was an apt leader who was quick in decision making, Ibobi reminded the feats of the former Prime Minister.

Recounting Indira gandhi’s feats, he said it was the former Prime Minister who nationalised banks in 1969 as part of her economic policy decisions.

Meanwhile, the day was also observed at the Manipur Congress Bhavan with the Chief Minister and Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaikhangam leading party workers and others in paying floral tributes to the former Prime Minister.

The function was also attended by Congress MLAs and ministers including Rural Development minister Francis Ngajokpa, MPCC office bearers and others.

The observation also took a pledge to work with faith and determination to uphold the ideals and values which the former Prime Minister held dear.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/mpcc-remembers-former-prime-minister-indira-gandhi/

IMPHAL, October 31: Irom Chanu Sharmila was produced before the Patiala court of Metroplitan Magistrate, Patial House for the second day today.

In today’s hearing four personnel of the Delhi police including one officer and a havildar, depose before the court as prosecution witnesses.

With her proceeding over, she will leave the national capital for Imphal tomorrow morning.

It may be mentioned that following summoned to physically appear before the court, Sharmila left Imphal on October 29 for two days hearing on October 30 and 31.

In the first day of the hearing held yesterday, a retired ACP, Delhi Police, doctor of AIIMS and officer of the CID Crime Branch, Delhi deposed before the court.

It is learnt that five prosecution witnesses in connection with the case are likely to depose before the court in the next hearing fixed on March 2 and 3 next year.

In 2006, a case FIR No 222/06 under IPC section 309 (attempt to suicide) had been filed by the Parliament Street Police Station against Sharmila. The case was registered against her holding a hunger strike demanding repeal of AFSPA at Jantar Mantar, in 2006.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/sharmila-produced-before-patiala-house-court-again-on-second-day/

BISHNUPUR, October 31: The Kairang Primary Health Centre will be made fully functional once again, said Thanga MLA T Mangibabu during an inspection trip today.

He said the Chief Minister and the Health minister had approved the upgrading of Karang PHSC to a PHC in April, 2012, however due to lack of doctors and other infrastructure, the PHC couldn’t fully function.

The local MLA was accompanied by Health Services director O Ibomcha who is also the NRHM mission director, NRHM state programme manager Rajib Irengbam, CMO, Bishnupur Ng Hemantakumar and other officials in his official inspection tour.

The team inspected the lack of facilities in the PHC.

Meanwhile, two doctors from the Bishnupur District Hospital, Bidyaluxmi Laishram and P Linthoinganbi were immediately posted to the PHC to meet the vacant posts of doctors by the director during the inspection tour.

Temporary quarters for the two newly posted doctors’ stay were also arranged.

Meanwhile, speaking to media persons on the sideline of the tour, the director said not only in the Kairang PHC but difficulties of other far flung areas including in the hills will be looked into.

Facilities of operation theatres will also be provided to district hospital at the earliest, he assured.

He further asserted that efforts will be made to provide the facilities of telemedicine through the internet in the State.

Replying to a media query, the Health director also said that both the Chief Minister and the Health minister have already been communicated that no political influence in the transfer and posting of doctors and other staff will be entertain.

Later the team also inspected the Thanga PHC.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/kairang-phc-will-be-fully-functional-again-thanga-mla/