Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal
Imphal, Aug 29: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday announced that five per cent reservation in government jobs in the state Home Department will be provided to outstanding sportspersons who have brought laurels to Manipur, in recognition of their achievements and service.
The Chief Minister said the policy would also require selected sportspersons to maintain their performance. Those who fail to perform for three consecutive years will be withdrawn from sports-related duties and reassigned to their regular responsibilities.
Khemchand Singh made the announcement after meeting Ariha Pangambam, the first Indian to win a gold medal at the recently concluded 10th Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships in the Philippines, and Anjori Pangambam, who secured seventh position in the same event.
The Chief Minister congratulated the two athletes for their performances at the Asian Championships and encouraged them to continue working hard and bring further recognition to Manipur and India.
He later launched a booklet published by the Manipur Olympic Association. During the event, Singh said the state Cabinet had approved a special recruitment policy for sportspersons who have brought laurels to Manipur at its meeting on Friday.
Under the policy, sportspersons will be recruited by the state government through a transparent process and strictly on the basis of merit, he said.
Manipur approves women empowerment scheme
Meanwhile, the Manipur government on Friday approved a 'Women Empowerment' scheme aimed at benefiting around 3.5 lakh women across the state, officials said.
A senior official from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said the scheme was approved at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh.
The scheme will benefit women who are members of recognised Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across Manipur.
Under the scheme, each eligible woman will receive a grant of Rs 10,000 in the first year, followed by interest-free loans in the second and third years, the official said.