Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Smt. Savitri Thakur, on Friday undertook an extensive inspection of multiple development projects and welfare institutions in Jiribam and Borobekra Sub-Divisions, assessing on-ground progress under key Central and State schemes.
The Minister’s visit reflected a strong emphasis on education, women and child welfare, healthcare, environmental protection, and livelihood generation, aligning with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to strengthen inclusive development at the grassroots level.
Education and National Spirit: 150 Years of Vande Mataram
Smt. Thakur began her day at Lalpani Primary School, where she joined teachers and students in commemorating 150 years of “Vande Mataram.”
Speaking at the event, she emphasized that the song symbolizes unity, patriotism, and the strength of India’s daughters, encouraging students to pursue their dreams with confidence.
“Knowledge is a lifelong pursuit, and girls must be given equal status in education,” she told the students, invoking the teachings of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who believed that empowered children shape a stronger nation.
The commemoration coincided with a nationwide celebration inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
Village Development and Livelihood Support
At the Sonapur Amrit Sarovar site, the Minister interacted with villagers and inspected the progress of water conservation and livelihood initiatives under the MGNREGS programme.
She assured the community that their proposal for the enhancement of 100 days of work would be taken up with the concerned Ministry, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to rural sustainability and employment generation.
Women and Child Welfare: Ensuring Protection and Care
The Union Minister later visited the One Stop Centre at Chingdong Leikai and Child Care Institutions at Lairembi Sanglen and Gulamchat (Patchao), where she interacted warmly with women and children.
At Gulamchat, she appreciated the children’s craftwork and personally inspected facilities for health, nutrition, and education. She directed the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) to ensure regular medical check-ups and encourage yoga and recreation for children’s holistic wellbeing.
She also enquired about the nutritional support provided under Poshan Abhiyaan and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) at the Kadamtala Anganwadi Centre, where she met Supervisors and Anganwadi workers.
“The foundation of a healthy nation lies in the wellbeing of mothers and children,” Smt. Thakur said, praising frontline workers for their service.
Healthcare and Public Services
At the District Hospital, Ningsingkhul, the Minister reviewed service delivery, inspected facilities such as Jan Aushadhi Kendra, Gynaecology and Surgery OPDs, Immunization Centre, and ICU, and interacted with both doctors and patients.
She administered Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) to infants, underlining the government’s continued focus on immunization and maternal care.
She also enquired about Sickle Cell Anaemia prevalence and the usage of Ayushman Bharat Health Cards, urging hospital staff to maintain cleanliness and hygiene as part of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Environment, Culture, and Heritage
Continuing her visit, Smt. Thakur planted a Bokul tree at the Ningsingkhul Biodiversity Park, where she also paid homage to Manipur’s freedom heroes — Bir Tikendrajit, Paona Brajabashi, and Thangal General.
She expressed hope that the park would evolve into a vibrant community recreation space and encouraged the local development committee to build boundary walls for its protection.
At Uchathol, she toured the Van Mahotsava Nursery, Rubber and Agar plantations, where DFO E. Nirmala Chanu demonstrated latex extraction and rubber processing techniques — examples of sustainable livelihood models for rural Manipur.
Empowerment and Economic Initiatives
Smt. Thakur also inspected PMAY (Urban) housing sites in Lakhipur Ward No. 9 and visited the Kalinagar Water Treatment Plant, funded by the ADB, to review water quality and infrastructure progress.
Her final stop was the PWD Guest House, Babupara, where she explored the “One District One Product” exhibition organized by the Forest Department and Self Help Groups (SHGs) under MSRLM.
She encouraged artisans and entrepreneurs to avail benefits under PMJJBY and PMSBY, noting that the purpose of her visit was to empower women entrepreneurs and strengthen local self-reliance.
“Empowering women isn’t just a slogan — it’s the foundation of a stronger society,” she said.
Administration and Coordination
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Krishna Kumar, IAS, welcomed the Union Minister and briefed her on Jiribam’s geography, economy, and ongoing development works.
Smt. Thakur expressed gratitude for the district administration’s efforts and appreciation for the warm hospitality and spirit of the people of Jiribam.
She was accompanied by Valeti Premchand (Additional Secretary, Ministry of WCD), SP Prakhar Pandey (IPS), ADC Th. Manoranjan Singh (MCS), and senior district officials during the inspection.