Imphal: After meeting Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh at the latter’s office in Imphal to highlight Manipur’s immense potential in the heavy industry sector, which can significantly contribute to economic growth, industrial expansion, and large-scale employment generation in the state, Union Minister of State (UMoS) for Heavy Industries & Steel, Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, visited Noney District on Friday.
The visit was part of the Central Government’s efforts to bring development to different regions of the state. Varma’s visit to Noney District is the first by a central leader since the popular government was formed in Manipur on February 4, 2026, as normalcy and stabilization return to the state.
The UMoS’s chopper landed at the Longmai Common Ground around 10:00 am on Friday. Noney District Commissioner Vidyamari Sridhar (IAS) and Noney Superintendent of Police Namsadai Peter, along with other district administration officials, accorded the UMoS a warm reception.
After the formal function, Minister Varma visited the Longmai Primary Health Centre and distributed Ayushman Cards (PMJAY) to four beneficiaries of the district. He also handed over keys to PMAY-G beneficiaries in the Rangkhung region.
Furthermore, he visited the tallest railway pier bridge (Bridge 164) located in Noney District. He assessed the progress of several developmental projects in the district by visiting other sites, including the NHIDCL project on NH-37 and the Awangkhul Railway Station works.
Following the site visits, the Minister chaired a review meeting at the Noney DC office with District Level Officers (DLOs) from all line departments, including Railways and NHIDCL officials, regarding the implementation of Central Sector Schemes. He also discussed other important agenda items concerning the district.
During the meeting, various DLOs highlighted their departments’ achievements in recent years through PowerPoint presentations and addressed their grievances, seeking support from the Central Ministry. They also focused on areas requiring further improvement and factors hindering development.
UMoS Srinivasa Varma planted trees at the Noney DC office complex during his maiden visit and visited stalls displaying initiatives from various departments, including Forest, Agriculture, RD & PR, and Horticulture.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from Noney DC Vidyamari Sridhar.