Khemchand inaugurates Meitei-Maring market shed

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 11 : Promoting inclusivity, MAHUD and RD&PR Minister Yumnam Khemchand inaugurated Chinga Keithel where traders belonging to both Meetei and Maring tribe can vend goods and vegetables at Singjamei Chingamakhong today.
The keithel was constructed by Manipur Urban Development Agency (MUDA) under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission.
Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the keithel, Khemchand said that the Government is considering building another tribal market in Imphal under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission.
No vendors would be allowed to occupy a permanent spot at Chinga Keithel, he said but added that every trader is welcome to sell their wares at the keithel.
The keithel belongs to the Government, the Minister maintained while appealing to all street vendors concerned to keep Chinga Keithel tidy all the time.
Khemchand also exuded confidence that the keithel will surely be helpful to the street vendors.
MAHUD Commissioner M Joy, said that the initiative to construct Chinga Keithel was taken up in December 2023.
He also said that the construction of the keithel was completed in less than a year due to strict supervision by MAHUD Minister Y Khemchand.
Continuing that Chinga Keithel which was constructed at  a cost of Rs 1 crore (approx) is 100 feet long and 20 feet wide, Joy added that 56 street vendors can sell their goods at the keithel. He appealed to all street vendors concerned to keep the keithel neat and clean. Maring Union president Yaima Maring thanked  MAHUD Minister Khemchand for constructing the keithel  and alloting space for  Maring people to sell goods at the keithel. Stating that Maring traders will bring organic fruits and vegetables from the hills and sell them at the keithel, he  added that Meetei and Maring street vendors doing business under one roof will also promote a feeling of oneness. MUDA secretary Ng Bhogendra and Caretaker Mayor of Imphal Municipal Corporation L Lokeshwar also attended the programme among others.