The Manipur government has announced that villages lacking official recognition will no longer receive government benefits. Chief Minister N Biren Singh made the declaration during the grand finale of the 70th Wildlife Week Celebration, held at the City Convention Centre in Imphal. This policy affects access to essential services such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, power, and water supply.
In a significant policy shift, Chief Minister N Biren Singh has mandated that villages not recognized by the government or registered under official records will be excluded from receiving any government benefits. This decision was articulated during his address at the 70th Wildlife Week Celebration’s closing ceremony.
The directive specifies that unrecognized villages will be barred from accessing various government schemes and services. This includes critical infrastructure and welfare programs like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, electricity, and water supply. CM Biren Singh emphasized the necessity for officials to operate within the legal frameworks provided by laws such as the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act and the Forest Acts.
Chief Minister Singh called for all government officials, particularly those in the Revenue and Forest departments, to execute their duties with dedication and integrity. He highlighted that many current issues stem from historical administrative oversights and stressed the importance of addressing these problems within the bounds of the law.
During the event, the Chief Minister also focused on wildlife conservation, instructing the Principal Chief Conservator Forest (PCCF) to designate a new wildlife sanctuary to protect endangered and rare species. He praised the residents of Ukhrul district for their commitment to wildlife protection, including a voluntary ban on hunting and the surrender of weapons used for poaching.
The state government plans to rear Mithun (a domesticated bovine species) to reduce hunting pressures on wild animals. CM Biren Singh also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, which aims to address environmental issues like flooding and high temperatures in Manipur.
Forests and Environment Minister Th Biswajit highlighted the activities conducted during the week-long wildlife celebration, noting their role in raising public awareness about the importance of environmental conservation. The event concluded with the distribution of prizes to winners of various competitions held throughout the week.
The new policy on unrecognized villages underscores the Manipur government’s commitment to lawful land management and environmental conservation. However, it also presents significant challenges for affected communities, potentially limiting their access to essential services and development opportunities. As the state moves forward with these changes, the emphasis remains on adherence to legal frameworks and the promotion of sustainable development practices.
