Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Chairman of the North Eastern Council (NEC), Bijoy Krishna Handique has reportedly approved the proposal of holding the "Dr T Ao NE Football Tournament 2010" in Imphal in November this year.
The Union Minister is understood to have given assurances during the 58th NEC meeting held at Assam Administrative Staff College at Khanapara today that the NEC will extend all necessary assistance in terms of finance and other infrastructure to Manipur in hosting the tournament.
The proposal of Manipur hosting the said football tournament in Imphal was placed at the NEC meeting by Deputy Chairman of Manipur State Planning Board, MLA Bijoy Koijam, who presented a speech at the meeting on behalf of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi.
Manipur Governor Gurbachan Jagat and Chief Secretary DS Poonia also attended today's meeting.
Addressing the august gathering of Chief Ministers and Governors of the North Eastern states, Bijoy Koijam drew the attention of the NEC on various aspects of development in Manipur.
He urged the NEC to clear the allottment of funds for the upgradation of Tamenglong-Tamei road and Tamei-Kangpokpi road, etc.
He also pointed out the necessity for completion of construction of the Inter State Bus Terminus.
Bijoy Koijam stressed the need for commencing Imphal to Mandalay bus service.
Upgradation of the National Highways 39 and 53 requires to be accelerated in view of the upcoming Trans-Asian Highway Project.
In power sector, the Deputy Chairman of Manipur State Planning Board, Bijoy Koijam emphasised the need for modernisation and renovation of Yurembam-Mao transmission line and Leimatak-Jiribam 132 KV transmission line.
Second Circuit DC Line needs to be erected between Yaingangpokpi and Kakching and Kakching to Churachandpur, he said.
He also urged the NEC to take up necessary steps for augmentation of 132/33KV Power Station at Yurembam, Ningthoukhong and Kakching.
Bijoy Koijam further asked the NEC to establish a full fledged nursing college in Manipur.
Moreh town being the gateway to South East Asia, the border trade centre needs to be developed in all aspects, he said and pointed out the need for upgradation of the integrated check post of Moreh.
He drew the attention of the NEC on various sectors, such as Agriculture, Health, etc.
He requested the DoNER to release funds further if 60% of the works of a particular Centre sponsored project is completed.
At present, the DoNER does not release further funds unless 80% of the works of a particular Centre sponsored project is completed.