Chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh inspects a guard of honour at Sainik School, Imphal, on its Raising Day on Tuesday. Picture by Eastern Projections

Imphal, Oct. 7: Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh made several promises for infrastructure development of Sainik School at Pangei in Imphal East, during the school’s 37th foundation day celebrations today.

He discussed the school’s problems with the authorities and also inspected the infrastructure.

“Your teachers informed me that you are getting power supply for only four to five hours daily. I also came to know that the water supply is inadequate. From now, my government will give top priority to providing adequate power and water supply to you,” he told the students.

After inspecting the dormitories of senior and junior students, Ibobi Singh said he was not happy with the condition of the junior students’ dormitory and would give Rs 2 crore from the special plan assistance fund for renovating it.

He said he would also provide funds for renovating the teachers’ quarters. “I appreciate the dedication shown by the teachers here. They continue their work without complaining about their living conditions, which were quite poor. I promise you that the government will pay attention to the teachers’ quarters,” he said.

Ibobi Singh asked education minister L. Jayentakumar Singh to pay special attention to the condition of the school infrastructure.

He promised to improve the condition of the ring road and other connecting roads on the school campus.

He suggested that the school authorities should consult former director of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences and now Opposition MLA, N. Bijoy Singh, in reconstructing the fencing of the campus. Ibobi Singh said the RIMS fencing done during the tenure of Bijoy Singh is still one of the best in Manipur.

He urged the students to devote their attention to studies. He also suggested that the school take up awareness programmes on HIV/AIDS among the students as Manipur continued to be one of the worst affected states in the country.

A cultural programme was held. The highlight of the day was a play, The Jewel Will Shine, staged by the students. It depicted the lawlessness in the state and the people’s sufferings because of it.