IMPHAL: On the last day of his two-day visit to Manipur, Union Minister of Science and Technology and Earth Science Dr Harsh Vardhan today laid the foundation stone of the Technology and Skill development Centre inside the complex of Institute of Sustainable Development (IBSD) at Takyelpat. The minister also had a brief interaction with the scientists and staff of the institute. Dr Harsh Vardhan expressed his disappointment at the state of affairs at the ISBD which was established in 2001 during the time of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as of national importance. He also appealed to the scientists to re-orient research, identify issues, learn from the past experiences and find solution through application of mind to help the human kind. The minister also maintained that research should benefit the mankind.  He said he has great prospect from the IBSD and expressed the hope that it would realise the dream of Vajpayee. Dr Harsh Vardhan left Imphal at 11.30 am for Delhi. 

IMPHAL: Manipur will join the nation-wide one-day Satyagraha to be organised by 11 Trade Unions on February 26 against the Narendra Modi government. Speaking at a press meet held at the office of Electricity Department Employees’ Association- Keishampat, Convenor of Central Trade Union Committee, Manipur State Committee, L Sotinkumar said sit-ins, rallies and mass arrest will be held during the one day protest organised by 11 trade unions including frontal organisations of political parties and labour unions.  Sotinkumar maintained that the main demands of the protest will be to withdraw the Pro-Capitalist policy of the NDA Government, regularisation of contract, muster roll and casual employees and pension scheme of not less than Rs 3000 per month for the employees over 60 years of age who are working in non-government sectors. 

IMPHAL: Union Minister of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Dr Harsh Vardhan arrived on a two-day visit in Imphal today. Speaking exclusively to Impact News, the Union Minister Harsh Vardhan said he is in the state to inspect the Central projects undertaken by the ministry. Harsh Vardhan said he will also look at the new projects which can be taken up in Manipur. he Union Minister said as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special focus on North East states he will look into the needs of Manipur in regards to Science and Technology. At 11:25 am, the Union Minister was given a warm welcome at the airport by a team including Science and Technology Parliamentary Secretary Amin Shah and BJP Manipur Pradesh President Th Chaoba. After his arrival, the Union Minister headed for Raj Bhavan.  Dr Harsh Vardhan inaugurated the Vigyan Sadan Building at FEEDS/KVK Campus in Hengbung, Senapati. Later in the evening at around 5:30, the Union Minister will be felicitated at the BJP Manipur Pradesh office at Nityaipat Chuthek. He will also interact with the media persons of the state. 

IMPHAL: Assuring to extend all possible help from Union Government, Union Minister of Consumers Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan insisted Manipur government on implementation of National Food Security Act in the State ensuring the benefits to the people. The union minister today laid foundation for construction of Food Storage Depots in Bishnupur and Sawombung at FCI Regional Office in Old Assembly Complex. Asserting FCI Regional Office will be made full fledged, Ram Vilas Paswan demanded proper security for the employees. He said with the completion of conversion of Lumding-Silchar Broad-Gauge by March this year, supply of food stocks will not be interrupted. Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said FCI keep food grains stocks in 3 month advance, and it is the State Government’s responsibility to distribute it to the people. He further said food storage godowns will be constructed in Tamenglong and Chandel districts if state government provides land. The minister also said implementation of National Food Security Act will solve the issue of unavailability of PDS items in the State. He further said implementation of the Act will benefit 88% of rural population and 85% in urban areas. Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, who was the Chief Guest at the function said the State will face difficulties in implementing Food Security Act due to the prevailing poor financial conditions. The chief minister said if the Centre is ready to extend financial support then there is no harm in implementing the Act. Stating that FCI Regional Office exists only for namesake, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi urged the Union Minister to convert it into a full-fledged one and make it function effectively. Asserting that the State lacks adequate Food Storage facilities, the chief minister asked the Union Minister to construct more food storage facilities. He further said the State government will try to give land for construction of Food Storage Depots in Tamenglong and Chandel districts.   While, the upcoming Food Storage Depot in Bishnupur district will have 5000 metric tonne storage capacity, the one coming up in Sawombung will have a storage capacity of 10000 metric tonne. After laying the foundation stone, Ram Vilas Paswan left for Delhi at around 10:30 am. 

IMPHAL: Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan and officials of Mega Block affected states of Manipur, Assam, Mizoram and Tripura yesterday reviewed the problems faced by targeted public distribution system due to Lumding-Silchar Broad-guage conversion.Addressing the media persons, Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said the Lumding-Silchar Broad-Guage conversion will be completed by next month. He said completion of Mega Block will enable uninterrupted food supply in the region. Stating that he will discuss about the implementation of National Food Security Act in the state with chief minister, Paswan assured the people of providing all benefits available under the Act. He further said interrupted supply of Targeted PDS items to the needy still remains a problem in the country. He also said not only beneficiaries of Food Security Act will be identified and uploaded on the website but also update the stock allotted to states in regular basis.  He said this will not only bring transparency but it will also help prevent black marketing.Earlier, Ram Vilas Paswan, who is also the National President of Lok Janshakti Party, said he will write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to end the issue of AFSPA and save Irom Sharmila’s life. Speaking at the reception at Lilong Chajing the minister assured the people of providing all Central schemes and programmes. Ram Vilas Paswan arrived in Imphal this morning at 11:30 on a two-day visit. Welcoming Paswan, Lok Jan Shakti Party Manipur Unit requested him to address the issue of AFSPA and unavailability of PDS items in the state. MLA Karam Shyam, who is also the National Secretary of the party along with State Unit Presidents attended the reception at Lilong Chajing. Interestingly, Ram Vilas Paswan announced that the lone MLA of the LJP in Manipur Assembly, Karam Shyam will remain in the Opposition as Lok Janshakti Party is part of the NDA government at the Centre. It may be mentioned that the party has been supporting the congress government in Manipur. There might be new developments as a case seeking the disqualification of MLA K Shyam has been pending in the Speaker's tribunal.