Guwahati: Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday distributed welfare benefits worth Rs 91.66 crore to nearly 2.41 lakh beneficiaries under 17 social welfare schemes and launched the Integrated Monthly Pension Processing System. He also called for peace, unity and hard work to rebuild the state after three years of turmoil.Addressing a programme organised by the social welfare department at the city convention centre in Imphal, Singh said the state had gone through “difficult times” over the past three years, disrupting lives and causing severe financial and psychological distress.“The prolonged crisis has caused financial and mental hardships to the common people to a great extent,” the CM said.He said the govt had undertaken various initiatives to ease the financial burden on people under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman.Expressing confidence that the welfare measures would provide relief to beneficiaries, Singh said lasting development depended on restoring peace. “Peace and hard work are necessary. People from all communities living in the state should consider themselves as Manipuris and contribute towards making Manipur a better state,” he said.Singh also formally launched the Integrated Monthly Pension Processing System to streamline the processing and disbursal of monthly pensions.According to the govt, benefits amounting to Rs 91,66,50,772 were distributed to 2,40,758 beneficiaries under 17 schemes implemented by the social welfare department.Chief secretary Puneet Kumar Goel said many families endured severe hardship in recent years, with women, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, widows and internally displaced persons bearing the brunt of the crisis.“It is our shared responsibility to ensure that they receive the care, protection, support and opportunities they deserve. Today’s event reflects the govt’s strong commitment to inclusive development, social justice and the welfare of every section of society,” Goel said.The programme was attended by minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, legislators, social welfare commissioner Haobam Rosita, senior officials, beneficiaries and students.
