Manipur Chief Minister Unveils Two New ‘Ima Keithels’ for Women Vendors

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Two new 'Ima Keithels' inaugurated for women vendors in Imphal.
- Investment of Rs 8 crore and Rs 5 crore for the markets.
- Foundation stone laid for police quarters costing Rs 68.7 lakh.
- 27 'Ima Keithels' constructed statewide to empower women.
- Initiatives for economic revival and sustainable livelihoods announced.
Imphal, Feb 1 (NationPress) In an initiative to empower women, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh inaugurated two new ‘Ima Keithels’ (markets run by women) in the Imphal West district on Friday.
The ‘Ima Keithel’ at Sekmai was developed at an investment of approximately Rs 8 crore, while the market at Kanglatongbi was established at a cost of around Rs 5 crore.
During the event, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for residential quarters at Sekmai Police Station, with an allocated budget of Rs 68.7 lakh at a gathering held at KSA Ground in Awang Sekmai.
In his address, Biren Singh highlighted the struggles faced by the state's residents due to the ongoing unprecedented ethnic crisis.
He stated, "The state government is making every effort to restore peace and normalcy while simultaneously pursuing development and welfare initiatives."
The Chief Minister elaborated on several citizen-focused schemes launched by the BJP-led administration since its inception in 2017.
He revealed that, to date, the state government has constructed 27 ‘Ima Keithels’ as part of its commitment to empower women.
Biren Singh noted that the foundation stones for the two newly inaugurated markets were laid on January 7, 2021, and praised the Manipur Police Housing Corporation Ltd for completing the construction promptly and with high-quality standards.
He urged women vendors to uphold cleanliness in and around the market.
Furthermore, he spoke about the ‘Go to Hills Mission’ and ‘Go to Village Mission,’ which strive to ensure equitable development throughout the state and extend governance to remote villages.
He also discussed the successful rollout of the ‘Chief Minister-gi Hakshelgi Tengbang (CMHT)’ program, which offers cashless treatment to economically disadvantaged households, benefiting around 2.15 lakh individuals with an expenditure of Rs 289 crore from the state budget.
Additionally, he mentioned that under the Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) scheme, over 3 lakh people have received free medical treatment, costing around Rs 280 crores.
He announced that a world-class football ground with a gallery is underway at Sekmai Kangjeibung, with an estimated budget of Rs 7 crores, emphasizing the importance of engaging youth in sports.
Biren Singh requested public support for the timely completion of this project.
He concluded by stating that the state government has initiated an ‘Economic Revival Mission’ aimed at equipping locals with skills for sustainable livelihoods.
Under this mission, various products are being produced to replace imports, thus boosting the economy.
Social Welfare Minister Heikham Dingo, during his brief remarks, highlighted that the inauguration and foundation-laying ceremony demonstrate that development is ongoing under Chief Minister Singh's leadership, even amid the state’s current challenges.