CM launches pony registration system

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 12 : Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today launched the Pony Registration System (PRS) web portal at the Conference Hall of the Chief Minister’s Office, Mantripukhri, and chaired the first meeting of the reconstituted Manipuri Pony Conservation and Development Board.
Developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), Manipur State Centre, in collaboration with the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, the PRS is a digital initiative aimed at ensuring the systematic registration and unique identification of Manipuri Ponies. The portal will create a comprehensive digital database containing ownership details and other relevant particulars, facilitating accurate population monitoring, traceability and scientific conservation planning for the indigenous breed, which holds immense cultural and historical significance for Manipur.
The Chief Minister chaired the first meeting of the reconstituted Manipuri Pony Conservation and Development Board in the presence of its members. During the meeting, the Director of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services, Dr L Arunkumar Singh, briefed with a PowerPoint presentation on the Manipuri Pony Conservation and Development Policy, 2016, highlighting the policy framework and various measures undertaken by the Department for the conservation and development of the breed.
The meeting deliberated on several key measures to strengthen pony conservation, including the identification and protection of grazing grounds, compulsory registration and digital record-keeping, improved interdepartmental coordination, enhancement of incentives for pony owners, establishment of a dedicated equine hospital alongside a National Research Centre on Equine in the State, implementation of a genetics-based scientific breeding programme, and inclusion of the Manipuri Pony in the school curriculum.
The Chief Minister advised the Department concerned to review the existing Manipuri Pony Conservation and Development Policy, 2016, at the earliest to further strengthen the policy framework and make conservation efforts more effective.
The Government of Manipur reiterated its commitment to the conservation and sustainable development of the Manipuri Pony through scientific management, active stakeholder participation and coordinated efforts among concerned departments. The launch of the digital registration system and the deliberations of the Board are expected to reinforce ongoing conservation initiatives and ensure the preservation of this unique indigenous equine breed for future generations.
Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur, IGP Themthing Ngashangva, Commissioner Veterinary and Animal Husbandry T Pamei, Secretary Land Resources Th Kirankumar, Secretary Arts & Culture Dr. Rangitabali Waikhom, Secretary Tourism Namoijam Kheda Varta Singh and HoDs of various departments and officials attended the launching function.