Book of Integration Council New - Ministry of Home Affairs

Sir, we are making serious efforts to address the needs of the weaker
and vulnerable sections of the population by providing them a "voice" through
democratic means by substantially empowering the Local Self Government. As
a part of this process, the Manipur Legislative Assembly has on
10 th October, 2008 passed the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (3 rd
Amendment) Bill 2008. This Act will double the number of subjects and
departments transferred to the District Councils to twentyfive as against only
twelve subjects earlier. Steps are also being taken to conduct elections to the
six District Councils in our State.
Besides the District Councils, Manipur has a long history of Panchayati
Raj institutions in the valley areas of the State. To ensure adequate resources
for both the Panchayati Raj Institutions and the Hill District Councils we
propose to constitute the 3 rd State Finance Commission shortly.
Education - Communal Harmony - Other element contributing towards
national integration
Sir, you are aware that a large number of students from our state take
admission in medical, engineering and other institutions for study. A significant
number of these students have found employment in various parts of the
country. While the North-East region represents only 4% of the population of
the country, I am inform that as much as 20% of employees in the BPOs and
Call Centres are from the North-East. This is a positive development and, I
believe, is contributing to natonal integration. Over the years there is a better
awareness, and if I may say so, improved apprection of the cultures and way
of life of each other. These students and professionals represent a very important
process in national integration and assimilation. Sir, it would not be wrong to
state that through these students and professionals we are sowing the seeds for
a long-term integration of the people of the country. I congratulate you for
providing opportunities and a congenial environment for making this possible.
In conclusion, I wish the deliberations at this meeting of the National
Integration Council all success.
Jai Hind.
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