Manipur Government Introduces Digital Identity System for Manipuri Ponies
Launch of the Pony Registration System
First meeting of the reconstituted Manipuri Pony Conservation & Development Board in Imphal on Monday (Photo: @YkhemchandSingh/X)
Imphal, Oct 13: The government of Manipur has unveiled the Pony Registration System (PRS), a digital platform designed to assign a unique identity to each registered Manipuri Pony.
Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh inaugurated the portal during the inaugural meeting of the reformed Manipuri Pony Conservation and Development Board held in Imphal.
Attendees included Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur, IGP Themthing Ngashangva, senior officials from various departments, and representatives from the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association, Manipur Pony Society, and Manipur Equestrian Association.
The PRS, developed by the National Informatics Centre, Manipur State Centre, in partnership with the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, aims to facilitate systematic registration and unique identification of Manipuri Ponies.
This portal will generate a detailed digital database that includes ownership information and other essential details to aid in monitoring the population, ensuring traceability, and planning scientific conservation for this indigenous breed, which is culturally and historically significant to Manipur.
During the meeting, Dr. L Arunkumar Singh, Director of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services, provided an overview of the Manipuri Pony Conservation and Development Policy, 2016, outlining its framework and the initiatives taken by the department to preserve and promote the breed.
Discussions focused on enhancing pony conservation efforts, which included identifying and safeguarding grazing areas, mandatory registration and digital record maintenance, improved coordination among departments, increased incentives for pony owners, and the establishment of a specialized equine hospital along with a National Research Centre on Equine in the state. Additional proposals encompassed a genetics-based breeding program and integrating the Manipuri Pony into school curricula.
Chief Minister Khemchand urged the relevant department to promptly review the existing Manipuri Pony Conservation and Development Policy, 2016, to fortify the policy framework and enhance conservation initiatives.
In a follow-up social media post, he stated, “The meeting discussed the Manipur Pony Conservation and Development Policy, 2016, and various significant agendas related to the conservation and development of the Manipuri Pony.”
The state government reaffirmed its dedication to the conservation and sustainable development of the Manipuri Pony through scientific management, active stakeholder involvement, and coordinated efforts among relevant departments.