IMPHAL, February 17: Union Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Science, Dr Harsh Vardhan, underscoring the abundant natural resources today expressed the opinion that Manipur has the potential to be a model State and move forward thereby help the nation`™s economy.
The Union Minister stated this during the foundation laying stone ceremony of the Technology and Skill Development Centre at the Institute of Bio resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) campus at Takyelpat.
Dr Harsh Vardhan further informed that he had asked the Chief Minister of Manipur to help in developing the IBSD at all cost, which has potential to put Manipur into a better position, and assured to give full support for its development.
Although the institute is apparently small its objective is big, he said adding that its contribution is laudable.
Further underlining the initiatives set in motion under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to push the nation towards an advance country, the Union Minister appealed the people to participate in the endeavour of the government in restoring the nations`™ former glory.
The Union Minister also urged the people not to waste its rich potential, and utilize it for the promotion of the State`™s development in every aspect.
He further suggested that to upgrade an important institute like IBSD which is the need of the hour, it needs not wait intervention from any minister(s).
The Minister further lauded the people of Manipur of its simplicity, determination to learn new thing, and further lauded the faculties and the workers for its effort in turning the IBSD campus, which was once apparently an inhospitable landscape into a welcoming one.
Delivering his speech, the director of IBSD, Prof Dinabandhu Sahoo, drew the attention of the Union Minister that since the inception of IBSD in 2001 not a single minister (Union/state) has visited the campus to take stock of the situation be it plight or achievements.
The institution has wider vision for the development in sustainable way considering the abundant natural resources and eco-system. However, establishing industries in Manipur so far remains impracticable due to its fragile law and order situation, said the Union Minister.