Khemchand calls for peace, inclusive development

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, May 30 : Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand has underscored the need for inclusive and balanced development across the State.
The Chief Minister said this while attending a special interaction session with Post-Matric Scholarship (ST) beneficiaries today at Hotel Imphal.
The programme was organised by the Department of Tribal Affairs and Hills under Janjatiya Garima Utsav 2026 during the “Birsa Lives in New Bharat” Week, said a press release issued  by the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
Speaking at the interaction session, Khemchand stated that the progress of every community is essential for the overall development of Manipur.
He emphasised that Manipur can progress only when all 36 communities living in the hills and valley develop together.
Highlighting the importance of peace, the Chief Minister said that development can take place only in a peaceful and conducive environment.
Emphasising that peace through dialogue is the only solution, he appealed to students to contribute towards strengthening harmony and understanding among different communities.
He said that the programme honours the contributions of Birsa Munda, a tribal leader, towards the welfare and empowerment of tribal society in the country.
Expressing concern that some students had not received their scholarship payments for the last four months, Khemchand directed the officials concerned to resolve such issues at the earliest so that students receive their benefits without delay.
The Chief Minister added that the Government remains committed to addressing genuine difficulties faced by students and ensuring that welfare schemes reach the intended beneficiaries.
Speaking on the occasion, via video conferencing, Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen said that the programme highlights the importance of education in empowering tribal youth and shaping a better future.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that observing the programme during the “Birsa Lives in New Bharat Week” added greater significance to the event. She stated that the life and ideals of Birsa Munda continue to inspire courage, self-respect, dignity and dedication to society.
During the interactive session, students engaged with the Chief Minister and raised questions regarding challenges related to the timely disbursal of scholarships, measures being taken by the Government to improve the implementation of scholarship schemes and initiatives to enhance stipend support.
Students from Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts also participated in the interaction via video conferencing and shared their concerns and challenges.
Responding to the queries, the Chief Minister informed them that the concerns raised by the students would be looked into and discussed by the Government and that necessary steps would be taken to address them.