Imphal, Dec. 16 : Several people in Manipur despite living in a challenging environment marred by militancy are steadily exploring possibilities for economic advancement.

Union Minister of Development of North East Region (DONER), Mani Shankar Aiyar, recently paid a visit to various parts of Manipur to oversee projects taken up by North East Region Community Resource Management Project (NERCORMP).

NERCORMP's overall objective is to improve the livelihood of vulnerable groups in a sustainable manner through improved management of their resource base in a way that contributes to preservation and restoration of the environment. It is funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

Aiyar''s visit to various villages in Senapati, Ukhrul and Tamenglong districts of Manipur was intended at motivating the people to achieve this goal. During his visit Aiyar informed the people that World Bank would provide more funds and it would benefit Manipuris.

He also stressed that the people should work together to bring development and fight violence.

"I think the future of the whole of the North East region is also the future of India. So we have to finish underground, we have to stop extortion and violence. We have to live peacefully and work together to ensure that there is pure prosperity starting among the poorest people and in the most backward region," said Manishankar Aiyar.

Self Help Groups (SHG) that have been backed up by NERCORMP are a joint initiative of the Central Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development
(IFAD).

These SHGs aim to secure the participation of communities in planning and management of all development interventions so as to lead to self-reliant community institutions.

"After the coming of the IFAD project every women is busy in her own work and also the money problem in every situation we solve it from the SHG member whenever we are in need," said A. Kapesa, a self-help group member.

N. Sukhojit Singh, Programme Manager, IFAD, Senapati District, said: "It is a comprehensive project we have taken. It is basically a livelihood project but here we have also taken up critical minimum infrastructure needs and also a lot of income generated activities."

The Self-Help Groups are bringing about a change in Manipur's economy, eradicating poverty and helping in resource mobilization and improving self-governance among the people.

Such an effort reflects the aspirations of the people who want development and are willing to end militancy which has affected the growth and obstructed prosperity in the state. (ANI)