SPECIAL SCHEME FOR DIFFERENTLY-ABLED PERSONS SOON: CM

IMPHAL, September 28, 2017 (DIPR): Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh said that the State Government is planning to launch a special scheme for differently-abled persons of the State in the first week of October this year.
He made the announcement while speaking at a Credit Linkage Programme of Manipur State Co-operative Bank Ltd. (MSCBL) held at the bank’s office complex located at Old Assembly Road, Imphal today.
Under the new scheme, skilled differently-abled persons would be soft loans to help start their own business, he said while adding that the scheme would also have a provision to provide monthly pension to fully disabled persons.
Stating that the objective of the scheme is to render human service to the differently-abled persons, who are also important members of the society, the Chief Minister sought co-operation and support from different banks, corporate houses, private organisations and individuals etc. in maintaining a corpus fund for the said scheme.
Shri N. Biren also informed the gathering that President Shri Ramnath Kovind would attend the inaugural function of Manipur Sangai Festival, 2017 which will commence from November 21.
Maintaining that foreign investment is also a key funding component for infrastructure development, the Chief Minister said that a Development Summit to be participated by Ambassadors and representatives from at least 15 countries would be held during the festival to study the potential investment areas of the State.
As Manipur is being portrayed as a trouble-torn State, foreign investors are reluctant to come to Manipur, he said while urging the organisations of the State not to impose bandh or resort to any form of agitation during the Summit as it may give wrong impression to the foreign delegates.
Stating that the Government’s primary objective is to eradicate poverty and improve the living standard of the people, the Chief Minister said that efforts are being put in to accomplish this objective under the supervision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
The Chief Minister said that the proposed Night Plaza which would be opened at the State Capital from October 2 would be known as Imphal Evening.
Forest and Environment Minister Shri Th. Shyamkumar and Social Welfare and Cooperation Minister Smt. Nemcha Kipgen also attended the function as guest of honour and functional president respectively.
Speaking at the occasion, Shri Th. Shyamkumar urged the loanees to repay the loans on time.
Regarding Night Plaza, Shri Th. Shyamkumar, who also holds MAHUD portfolio, said that the concept was simple but to provide an opportunity to the general public to spend some quality time with their families and friends after a day-long hard work.
In her speech, Smt. Nemca Kipgen announced that a special package for rejuvenation and revival of cooperative banks and societies of the State had already been submitted to the concerned Ministry
She said that MSCB is a parent-like figure for the whole co-operative credit set-up of the State. As such, parents should be strong enough to look after their children, she added.
Stating that the financial condition of the bank is not that sound for the time being, Smt. Nemcha Kipgen said that the bank should motivate its staff to step up recovery procedures.
Different loans worth Rs. 2,25,08,500 were disbursed to 642 beneficiaries at the function.
Earlier, an ATM of the bank was also inaugurated at MSCB Ltd. Complex by the dignitaries.
MSCB donated Rs. 1 lakh to Chief Minister’s Relief Fund during the function.