IMPHAL, Nov 4 - Manipur Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Union Ministry of Civil Aviation to introduce the first-ever helicopter service under Centre�s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) in the State.
State Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh chaired a Cabinet meeting which decided to give the nod to the MoU on Thursday evening.
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Moirangthem Okendro said that the helicopter service will be introduced on the Imphal-Moreh sector on a daily basis and Tamenglong-Jiribam-Tamenglong-Imphal sectors thrice a week in the first phase of the service.
Inter-State service will also be introduced on the Imphal-Silchar sector which will be a daily service while Imphal-Dimapur service will be thrice a week, Okendro added. There will also be Imphal-Aizawl via Silchar and Imphal-Agartala via Silchar and Imphal-Shillong via Silchar helicopter services.
Ninety per cent of the fund for the service under RCS would be borne by the Centre while the remaining 10 per cent will be provided by the State, according to Okendro, government spokesperson.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju along with senior officials of his Ministry were here in Imphal to sign the MoU with the Manipur Government.
Meanwhile Minister Okendro also informed that the Draft Cine Policy, will be more than about entertainment and will be able to spread information to the public.It will also go a long way in promoting the vibrant culture of the land and the people, he added.
A number of Manipuri feature films have won international accolades, said the Minister and recalled how the first Manipuri feature film, Matamgi Manipur won the President�s silver medal and how Imagi Ningthem won the grand prix at the Nantes film festival in France.The policy will not only help streamline film production but will encourage the film artistes, he added.
