Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh has reiterated that the state government is planning to replace the diesel auto-rickshaws to e-rickshaws to minimize air and noise pollution in the Imphal city area.
Biren also urged the banks to provide loans to those auto drivers who want to procure e-rickshaws to replace their diesel-autos.
Chief minister Biren was speaking at the ‘Manipur Start Up Conclave, 2019’ and launching of MyGov Manipur in Imphal on Saturday.
Deputy chief minister Yumnam Joykumar Singh, Cabinet ministers, MLAs, head of departments, officials of different departments and others also attended the launching function.
Earlier while distributing Rs 1.54 crores to 3080 district eco-clubs schools of the state on August 31, the chief minister had informed the public that diesel auto-rickshaws should be phased out and replaced by e-rickshaws to reduced noise and air pollution.
During the 10th session of the tenth Manipur Legislative Assembly in March 2015, the then transport minister Kh Ratankumar responding to a question by Uripok MLA L Nandakumar on the actual number of diesel auto rickshaws plying in the Imphal Municipal area, had informed that at least 1445 diesel auto-rickshaws are registered with the transport department for plying in the Imphal Municipal area.
He had also informed that there is a scheme for the conversion of diesel auto rickshaws into battery operated auto rickshaws.
The residents in Imphal have been discussing the issues of air pollution and noise pollution caused by diesel operated auto rickshaws that have caused serious health issues in the state particularly in the state capital.
On the other hand expressing that he is delighted to see the youths coming out with ideas, initiatives and innovations that would bring change in our society, the chief minister claimed that a new chapter has been started in the State after the present government comes to power.
Thanking the State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, United Bank of India, Manipur State Cooperative Bank etc for supporting and encouraging the entrepreneurs of the State, he informed that this year, the government received a total of 3966 applicants out of which 798 were shortlisted.
Ninety eight startups under Revenue stage, 579 startups under Idea stage and 177 under Entrepreneurs Support Scheme were selected to provide loans under the scheme.
Brief presentations of six selected successful Start-ups were showcased during the day’s launching function and the grants and sanction letters were distributed to the selected Start-Ups and Entrepreneur under the scheme.