IMPHAL, Jan 6 - The Manipur Cabinet has approved increasing the pension amount from Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000 per month for retired journalists of the state, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said on Monday during the 45th foundation day programme of the Manipur Press Club held in Imphal on Monday.
Information and Public Relations Minister Th Biswajit, Lok Sabha MP Dr RK Ranjan, All Manipur Working Journalists� Union (AMWJU) president Bijoy Kakchingtabam, and Editors Guild Manipur (EGM) president Khogendra Khomdram were also present during the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Biren Singh said journalists and newspaper hawkers were covered under the Chief Minister-gi Hakshelgi Tengbang (CMHT), a state-run health scheme, and the Manipur Cabinet has now approved increasing the pension amount from Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000 per month for retired journalists of the state.
On the apprehensions of people over the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, he said the government is committed to protect the indigenous population.
He said registration counters for issuing ILPs to visitors have been opened in various areas and police stations, and camps to issue ILPs will also be organised in hill districts of the state soon.
A computerised registration system for ILP would also be introduced, and the government welcomes any suggestion and advice from people for proper implementation of ILP in the state, he added. The Chief Minister appealed to the masses to support the government and law enforcing agencies for smooth implementation of the ILP system.