Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday, 20 June praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership at the Jan Kalyan Shivir (Public Welfare Camp) in Imphal, calling for peace and inclusive development as essential pillars of the Viksit Bharat–Viksit Manipur 2047 vision. The camp, organised by the District Administration of Imphal West, was held at Chingamathak Young Learners' Club, Hao Ground, Chingamathak (Pishum Lampak).

What the Jan Kalyan Shivir Aims to Achieve

The Jan Kalyan Shivir is part of a nationwide initiative to ensure doorstep delivery of welfare and beneficiary-oriented schemes of both the Centre and state governments to eligible citizens. Officials said the programme is designed to maximise outreach and saturation of government services across districts.

During the event, Chief Minister Singh distributed allowances from the Education (School) Department, Imphal West to two children under the Children with Special Needs category. He also handed over four packets of nutritious food — containing dal, eggs, and other essentials — to four tuberculosis patients. Singh subsequently visited departmental stalls showcasing various welfare schemes being implemented under the camp.

Railway Connectivity and the Act East Push

Addressing the gathering, Singh highlighted ongoing railway expansion in the state, noting that the rail line has already reached Khongsang and is expected to be extended to Imphal within the next two years. He added that the network is further planned to reach Moreh, located along the India-Myanmar border, which would significantly boost regional connectivity and economic opportunity.

The Chief Minister also underscored that the erstwhile Look East Policy has been transformed into the Act East Policy, under which Manipur is positioned to emerge as a gateway to Southeast Asia. He said the policy would open new avenues of growth and create greater opportunities for future generations.

Peace as a Prerequisite for Development

Stressing that development cannot occur without a stable environment, Singh appealed to all communities in the state to set aside differences and pursue dialogue to restore peace and harmony. He urged citizens to extend full cooperation to the government's ongoing peace-restoration efforts — remarks that carry particular weight given the ethnic tensions that have gripped Manipur in recent years.

Governor's Art Award and Other Engagements

Earlier on the same day, the Chief Minister attended the 7th Governor's Art Award ceremony at the Cabinet Hall of the Chief Minister's Secretariat, Mantripukhri, Imphal. Renowned artist Yendrembam Ibochouba Singh was honoured with the award in recognition of his exceptional contribution to fine arts.

The Jan Kalyan Shivir was attended by the Deputy Commissioner of Imphal West, the Director of Planning, the Mayor of the Imphal Municipal Corporation, and officials from various government departments. As the camp model scales across districts, its effectiveness in reaching the last-mile beneficiary will be the key measure of its stated ambitions.