B20 meeting in Manipur gaining positive outcome 

By James Khangenbam Imphal Updated Feb 19 2023

An American company has shared its willingness to invest USD 500 million in improving the tourism sector. And delegates from Argentina have shown interested in developing the game of football in Manipur, said Chief Minister N Biren Singh. He said this to the media on the sideline of a sightseeing tour organised for the B-20 delegates at the Marjing Polo Complex at Heingang today

B20 meeting in Manipur pic source social media 

Notably, the Business 20 (B20) is the official G20 dialogue forum with the global business community. Delegates including diplomats, overseas industry (business) representatives from more than 20 countries are in Manipur for the B-20 conference. Notably, the first of the four B-20 sessions scheduled to be held in the North-East region was held in Imphal yesterday. At Heingang, the delegates saw the Marjing Polo Complex, which houses the world’s tallest polo statue and on the polo ground at the foothill of the Heingang hillock, they saw demonstration of traditional Arambai throwing and modern polo game. Chief Minister N Biren Singh said, the B-20 session is being participated by 23 Nations represented by 26 overseas business delegates, 24 diplomats. This is the first time Manipur has hosted such a summit and it is historic, he said.

pic source social media 

If it weren’t for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India would not have got the presidency of the G-20, he added. He said, during the B2B session held at the City Convention Centre yesterday, a US company shared its willingness to invest around 500 million USD in the State’s tourism sector. Also, delegates from Argentina and Peru urged Manipur to send nurses to their countries. Moreover Argentina the team representing have shown interest in assisting and improving the game of football in Manipur, he added. From Heingang, the delegates then headed to Bishnupur district and visited the Indian National Army Memorial Complex at Moirang before heading to Sendra. Notably, the INA Memorial Complex is the place where the tricolor was first hoisted by the National Army during World War-II and it pays tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. At Sendra, the delegates enjoyed motor-boat rides in the Loktak Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in the North-East

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1st North East Aero-Sports Hot Air Balloons concluded at Loktak Lake

By James Khangenbam Imphal Updated Feb 17, 2023

1st North East Aero-Sports Hot Air Balloons  pic source social media

Chief Minister N Biren graced the closing function of the 1st North East Aero-Sports Hot Air Balloons and Para-Motor Fiesta, 2023 at Phubala. The event organized by the Manipur Aero Sports Association (MASA) in association with Khasia Ventures and sponsored by the Tourism Department with technical support from Adventure Wing, Indian Army was inaugurated on February 11 . Speaking at the closing ceremony, N Biren proposed opening of a permanent aero sports facility after exploring its feasibility and finding a suitable location.

1st North East Aero-Sports Hot Air Balloons

He thanked the Indian Army for providing technical support to the event and further highlighted that Manipur is suitable for such adventure sports activities. Today, Manipur is also becoming a tourist hotspot, the Chief Minister said highlighting the INA Headquarters at Moirang, Sangai Ethnic Park and the upcoming G-20 events in the State.

He also appealed to the people living along the highway to accord a warm and traditional welcome to the visiting delegates of the G-20 event who would include 50 foreign delegates. The closing function was also attended by YAS Minister Govindas Konthoujam, PHE Minister L Susindro Meitei, MP (Rajya Sabha) Leisemba Sanajaoba, Moirang MLA Th Shanti, LDA Chairman M Asnikumar and officials of the 57 Mountain Division, among others.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh also inaugurated Loktak Lake Front Garden at Sendra in the presence of Rajya Sabha Member Sanajaoba Leishemba, Ministers K Govindas, L Susindro, Th Basanta Singh, LDA Chairman M Asnikumar Singh and other Government officials. The Loktak Lake Front Garden would host the delegates of G-20 events and provide them with an opportunity to experience Loktak Lake from a very close range. Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Minister expressed satisfaction at the preparations being made for the G20 events.

He appealed to the people for cooperation in restoring the precious ecosystem of Loktak and its associated wetlands. “The lake front is going to play a major role in making Loktak Lake more accessible to tourists and promote eco-tourism in the State”, Biren said. He also stressed that the State Government has been taking extensive measures for the revival, complete rejuvenation and conservation of Loktak Lake and its associated wetlands.

LDA Chairman M Asnikumar said that the LDA has been working on a war footing to conserve Loktak through participatory processes. He also appealed to the fishing and catchment area communities for their participation in the conservation efforts of the Government to fulfil the dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CM N Biren to make Loktak an iconic wetland site of the South Asian region.

The Chief Minister also inspected the Sangai Ethnic Park at Moirang Khunou and INA Headquarters Heritage Site at Moirang. The park is a major destination of the G-20 delegates, who will be reaching the State on Friday.

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State to host G 20 delegates 

As a part of the G20 Summit, the State would be hosting a B20 conference at Imphal tomorrow. Briefing media persons at the conference hall of the Old Secretariat today, Education Minister Th Basanta Kumar said that the B20 is the official dialogue forum of the G20 countries.

By James Khangenbam Imphal Updated Feb 17, 2023

State to host G 20  pic source social media

He said that the B20 conference scheduled on February 17 would be graced by the Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Som Prakash, Minister of State, Commerce & Industries and Dr RK Ranjan Singh, Minister of State, External Affairs, Government of India in the presence of senior State and Central Government officials. He said that the B20 conference at Imphal would witness the convergence of a host of overseas delegates from 23 Nations representing Australia, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Chad, Canada, China, France, Greece, Iceland, Japan, Nepal, Russia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Tunisia, Uganda, United States and United Kingdom.

These Nations produce about 85 percent of the world’s GDP. Besides the delegates from these countries, visiting dignitaries include 26 overseas business delegates and 24 diplomats including Ambassadors from these countries and India. Trade and business delegations and representatives from Bhutan, Bangladesh, Japan and Australia will also participate in the programme, Basanta Kumar said. As a part of the programme, the Chief Minister would facilitate Business to Business and Business to Government meetings.

Overseas business delegates would get the opportunity to interact with local industries during the B2B and with the Government in the B2G session for potential investment, collaboration and tie-ups. Over 100 B2B and B2G queries have been generated including request for interaction with Government departments -Health and Family Welfare, Skill Development, Sports, Urban Development, Textiles, Finance & Taxation, Tourism, Industries & Commerce, IT, Agriculture and Fisheries, he added.

Capitalising on the presence of a large contingent of international delegates, the Government of Manipur is making elaborate arrangements not only to showcase investment and partnership opportunities in the State but also provide a unique experience to the visiting delegates with an exposure to Manipur’s culture, cuisine, art, festivities, and scenic beauty, the Education Minister said.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Tourism Pradeep Kumar Jha said that the security detailed for the delegates are all women police personnel and this is aimed at showcasing women empowerment. He also mentioned that all the delegates are expected to visit the renowned Ima Market. He further made an appeal to the people of Manipur to cooperate and give their best efforts to make this historic event successful. Representatives of the Confederate of Indian Industries (CII), Director, IPR and officials from the Press Information Bureau (PIB) also participated at the press conference.

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Seed Sowing festival of the Nagas celebrated

Seed Sowing festival of the Nagas celebrated

By James Khangenbam Imphal Updated Feb 17, 2023

Seed Sowing festival of the Nagas celebrated. 

Nagas in Manipur celebrated Lui-Ngai-Ni, the seed sowing festival on 15th February. The State level celebration function was held at Kapaam village in Chandel district under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC) with the theme “One culture, one destiny” Attending the celebration function as chief guest, Manipur Water Resources Minister, Awangbow Newmai stressed the need for preserving culture and tradition which he termed as the priceless gifts of forefathers.

“We need to preserve our culture. Not only songs and dances, we should also preserve habits and culture. Let us keep up all the good cultures and habits of our forefathers. It is the priceless gifts of our forefather,” he said. Asserting that Nagas are peace loving people, the Minister urged the people to show it through their deeds. “Let us spread the message of peace by way of respecting other communities” . Transport Minister Khashim Vashum, recalled the efforts to bring into shape the ‘Lui-Ngai-Ni’ as a common festival of Nagas living in the State of Manipur.

He himself was actively involved in shaping the festival around 30 years ago, added the Minister.The concept of the seed sowing festival was consolidated after a great deal of studies and consultations and christened as ‘Lui-Ngai-Ni’ in the year 1986 and its celebration took shape in 1987, he added.

Seed Sowing festival of the Nagas celebrated. 

Many sitting Naga MLAs, Outer Manipur Lok Sabha MP Dr Lorho S Pfoze, ex-Ministers, ex-Parliamentarians and ADC members also attended the occasion. In his presidential address, Ng Lorho president United Naga Council said that the celebration of the festival under the theme “One culture, one destination” is to show “oneness in diversity” Lorho observed that westernization has deeply inflicted on the culture of the Nagas, and added that the festival aims to imbibe the fundamental principle of social norms and value system.

“We aspire to have a Nation where law and justice is the rule of law and where the lowly are secured,” the UNC president added.The celebration of the festival is also a political message to a common destination and to rekindle the past glory, according to the UNC chief.

In today’s event, various activities like folk songs, cultural dances, blowing of Lui-Ngai-Ni trumpet, beating of drums and lighting of Lui-Ngai-Ni fire were performed by different Naga tribes.The blessings of seeds were invoked by the chief of Kapaam village. Transport Minister Khasim Vashum, Chandel AC MLA SS Olish, Tamenglong AC MLA Janghemlung Panmei, Ukhrul AC MLA Ram Muivah, Karong AC MLA J Kumo Sha and other public leaders including ex-MLAs and ex-ADC Members also attended the function.

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6th Women Intl Polo Tournament kicks off

By James Khangenbam Imphal Updated Feb 16, 2023

6th Women Intl Polo Tournament

Chief Minister N Biren Singh inaugurated the 6th Women International Polo Tournament today at Mapal Kangjeibung, Imphal on 15th February. The six days tournament organized by Manipur Tourism in association with All Manipur Polo Association (AMPA) is participated by five teams – South Africa, Luxembourg, India (IPA), India (Manipur-A) and India (Manipur-B). Addressing the gathering during the inaugural ceremony, N Biren Singh welcomed the participating teams including Indian Women Polo teams and international teams.

Mentioning that the Women’s International Polo Tournament is being organised at Mapal Kangjeibung every year, he stated that the 6th edition is being organised after a gap of two years due to the Covid pandemic. The Chief Minister continued that Manipur is famous for ‘Polo’ and the State is regarded as the birthplace of modern polo.

Adding that the people of Manipur are proud of their forefathers for having gifted this game to the world, N Biren said that holding such a tournament would not only help in projecting the State as the birthplace of the game, but would also serve as a platform to promote the importance of preserving the game and the endangered Manipuri pony.

N Biren further stated that Sagol Kangjei is not just a game as it symbolises the role of Manipuri pony and the techniques of warfare of the Manipuri soldiers in defending the sovereignty of Manipur during the olden days.

Manipuri ponies had always been a part of the State’s civilization and its culture, he added. Mentioning that Chief Minister’s Sagol Kangei Championship had also been started during the Sangai Festival 2022, he added that the uniqueness of the game is the use of horse, which is wild in nature.

The Chief Minister continued that considering the importance of preserving the endangered “pony”, the Manipur Police Department had introduced the Sagol Police. A part from this, 10 horses will be reared at each Battalion of Manipur police, he added.

Informing that breeding grounds for pony had been developed at Pangei and Lamphelpat, he appealed to the pony breeders to take their horses to the breeding ground. Concluding his speech, the Chief Minister expressed hope that the tournament would go a long way in establishing the State as a polo tourism destination in India.

Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam stated that different Sagol Kangjei and Polo tournaments had been started at various places of the State to promote the game and preserve the endangered horse breed.

He also said that the people of Manipur should appreciate the Chief Minister for taking up many initiatives to protect the pony. The Minister continued that many teams from different countries had come to the State and participated in polo tournaments organized on different occasions. 



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Manipur clinched 7th position in Khelo India Youth games 

By James Khangenbam Imphal Updated Feb 16, 2023

Khelo India Youth games  pic source social media

Manipur finished 7th position at the just concluded Khello India Youth Games 2023. The game is participated by 36 states and union territories. Around 5000 atheletes participated in the tournament. Manipur scored 13 golds, 9 silver and 12 bronze to secure the seventh position. Madhya Pradesh who has the largest contingent scored the highest medals and secured the first position in the medal tally. 

During the tournament, seven national youth records were created by a Manipuri weightlifter. M. Martina Devi who won the Girls 81kg+ category with a total lift of 199kg created national records in Snatch (88kg), as well as in Clean and Jerk (111kg). In fact, Martina broke a total of seven national youth records enroute to her gold medal. Manipur clinched the title by defeating West Bengal with a score of 1-0 in the girls’ football final.Athletes from Manipur dominated the Thang-ta, a traditional Manipuri martial art form, competitions at Mandla’s District Sports Complex, clinching five golds. Assam, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh also won a gold each in the sports discipline.

Earlier the sports ministry had opened Khelo India State Centre of Excellence (KISCE) at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, Imphal with the aim to identify and provide world-class training to athletes in the state in their specialised sports. The Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal was chosen as the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence (KISCE) and was virtually inaugurated by Kiren Rijiju, the union minister of sports and youth affairs, in 2020. Three disciplines — archery, hockey and weightlifting — were selected to be part of the KISCE initially under which one state could have one discipline and weightlifting was declared as the state discipline of Manipur. Khelo India, the national programme for development of sports also established 16 sports centres across 16 districts in Manipur last year. The initiative was part of the Centre’s vision to open 1,000 new Khelo India Centres (KIC) in all states and Union territories, with at least one KIC in each district of the country. The sports ministry in partnership with the state governments is providing grassroots-level sports infrastructure to young sporting talent in different parts of the country under the Khelo India National development program for sports. 

Manipur is considered as the power house of sports and the Central government has taken up steps to establish a sports university in the state which would be first of its kind in the country. The state which is geographically smaller compared to other states of the country with a population of around 30 lakhs has produced large number of sporting talents so far. The dedication, efforts and passion the people of Manipur have towards sports is often appreciated by many. Many state athletes are inducted in the central service and they are pursuing their career in bigger cities. 

On a brighter note, at the grassroot level, culturally almost all local clubs in the State celebrates the holi festival (Yaoshang in Manipur) with 5 days of  fun, literary and sporting events annually. Mostly the youths and elderly organise the sport events encouraging the children to participate. And the tournaments are concluded with award ceremonies. Often children participate the sporting event with much love, celebration and cherish memory besides winning accolades in winning prizes. 

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Oral Literature festival, first of its kind celebrated in Manipur

Oral Literature

By James Khangenbam 16 Feb 2023 Imphal

A resourceful and thought-provoking festival of literature commemorating the birth centenary of Maharaj Kumari Binodini throws open a larger perspective of literary works. Beyond literature, the four-day festival also highlighted the importance of preserving wisdoms and knowledge of any community by preserving the language they speak. Often encrypted in a fading language, a sensibility or a wisdom gets disappeared when a language dies. Be it a healing, ecological wisdom or any knowledge, the sensibility of every community living in the world might differ but the diversity is a wonder. The Listener’s Festival of Orality brings hope and understanding with international and institutional participation who are working on ground to preserve and protect languages across the globe. 

Literature is a strong medium of human expression that captures the time in words. Perhaps opening up the horizon of literature draws greater interest and the festival of oral literature was one such event. It was a literature festival without books, where song lyrics are traced to their inspiration and source. The significance of Khongjom Parva a traditional 1891 ballad that narrates the Anglo Manipuri war in Manipur comes out distinctly in the festival. Khongjom Parva is a very popular ballad in Manipur for its unique historical story telling celebrating the valour of the Manipuri soldiers who put up a fight with the British soldiers at Khongjom.   

A language which has less than ten thousand speaker is considered endangered recalled Hezekiel Dlamini, UNESCO New Delhi. Creating Digital Resources for the promotion of indigenous languages was one panel hosted by Central Institute for Indian Languages. The other panel hosted by the same institute is on developing collaborative scholarship on language and culture. Gilvian Muller de Oliveira, UNESCO Chair on language Policies for multilingualism, Professor Shobhana Chelliah, Indiana University, Aleena Brahma from CIIL, Sentila Yanger a Padmashree awardee, A Peterson, Associate Professor of Lingusitics, Dartmouth College, Mary Burke from University of North Texas, Denton attended the festival as resource person. 

L Somi Roy, director of the festival remark that, “Globalization attracts cargoes of homogenization and sensibilities of uncountable communities are overshadowed in the process. A culture can begin to understand itself only by comparison and juxtaposition with other cultures. We need collaborative study with the outside or else North East culture will be repeatedly discussed internally; we would be studying only what we already know.  But if we compare our manuscripts to Hindu manuscripts or Egyptian manuscripts, we will better know what manuscripts traditions are about. Knowledge has to be collaborative especially for small cultures like ours in Northeast India”.

Parallel session on performance-based discussion were also held at the Chorus Repertory Theatre, Imphal. Guru Rewben Mashanga, Tiameren Aier, Guru Sangyusang Pongener, Sentila Yanger, Takhellambam Shyamkanhai, Dushyant Dwivedi and group, thangi Chhangte, Teimeren Aier and sisters six from Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram performed during the festival. Ratan Thiyam an eminent internationally acclaim theatre director and trustee of IMASI – Maharaj Kumari Binodini Memorial Trust was the chairman of the festival.  ‘The Pena balladeers are the keepers of old Manipuri language unveils Oja Mangangsana in a post-performance discussion. He further conveyed that a Pena player has to learn the traditional and cultural Pena performances which are often sung in old Manipuri language. They are also regarded as the keeper of old Manipuri language. For the Pena performer to thrive in modernity, they have to again innovate and compose their own Pena music suitable to the contemporary society.  

Somi Roy and his team worked for four years to celebrate the birth Centenary of MK Binodini. Somi Roy happens to be the son of Late MK Binodini who left a legacy of literary works. Somi Roy has been translating her books into English and One of her books, The Princess and Political Agent is published by Penguin in the Modern Classic book category recently. MK Binodini, a Padmashree awardee in Literature remains as an inspirational figure to the writers of the State. Her stories when made into films by her collaborator and film director Aribam Syam Sharma had won international accolades including official entry at 44th Cannes, winning Gran Prix at the Festival of Three Continents Nantes (1982).

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Korean language learning courses in Manipur 

By James Khangenbam 16 Feb 2023 Imphal :

Korean language learning courses

A Korean language learning course for students of Government colleges and Government aided colleges was opened today at Manipur College. Speaking at the opening function of the course organised by the Higher Education Department, Education Minister Th Basanta Kumar noted that the 21st century is said to be ‘knowledge century’

He exhorted all students to gather and enhance their knowledge not only from textbooks but also from all available sources. Basanta Kumar said that learning and teaching Korean language is a part of the National Education Policy. Learning a language can certainly enrich one’s knowledge and it is rather fortunate for the students of Manipur that they can now learn many foreign languages in the State itself, the Education Minister said. He said that language is one major tool of enriching the culture of a Nation.

The Government has launched an initiative under which the languages/dialects of all the 34 communities of Manipur would be taught to interested individuals, he said. Teaching languages/dialects of seven communities has already started, he added. Basanta Kumar asserted that learning each other’s language would go a long way in fostering unity in the State. The Government has been working to implement a new programmed of improving colleges. The Government has already sanctioned Rs 10 crore for the particular programmed and five colleges have been selected in the first phase, he said. Saying that the Government has been considering to make up deficiency of teachers, the Education Minister assured that all reasonable demands of the teacher fraternity would be fulfilled.

King Sejong Institute Imphal (KCCI), Korean language instructor Park Minjae said that they have been working to set up more Korean cultural institutes in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. King Sejong Institute has been opened at five places in India. Apart from teaching Korean language, the institute would give due emphasis on cultural exchange between Korea and Manipur, Park Minjae said. Saying that there are many similarities between Korea and Manipur in terms of music and cultural dance as witnessed in the last Manipur Sangai Festival, Park Minjae said that they would try to present Korean cultural programmes in the next Sangai Festival, if they get such an opportunity. Directorate of University and Higher Education Director Dr Rangitabali Waikhom and Manipur University Registrar W Chandbabu too attended the opening function.

Mention may also be made that Department of Foreign Languages, Manipur University also offer one year certificate course on Korean language. The annual student intake for the course is 24 seats. Students who have passed their higher secondary are also eligible for the course. Besides the department also offers one year certificate courses on Japanese and Chinese language.  

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INDIA Ladies Versus WEST INDIES Ladies LIVE Spilling IN INDIA, IND W Versus WI W LIVE Broadcast IN INDIA, WHERE TO WATCH ICC WOMEN’S T20 WORLD CUP Reside? MATCH 9

By Ph.Banti

INDIA Ladies Versus WEST INDIES Ladies

India Ladies drove by Harmanpreet Kaur takes on the West Indies ladies in match 9 of the continuous ICC Ladies’ T20 World Cup 2023 in Cape Town on February 15. The match begins at 6.30 pm IST.

India won their mission opener against Pakistan while the Windies ladies lost their most memorable game against Britain. The Harmanpreet Kaur-drove side seems to be the top choices to win this challenge. In the mean time, Smriti Mandhana is fit to play in this game according to reports.

In the middle of between India’s first and second game was the Ladies’ IPL 2023 sale. Smriti was the most costly player of the sale got by Imperial Challengers Bangalore for 3.40 crores. Mumbai Indians got Harmanpreet Kaur for 1.80 crores.

A few worldwide cricketers were likewise roped in by the various establishments at gigantic costs. A sum of 409 ladies players are essential for the Ladies’ Head Association Sale 2023 (WPL sell off 2023). Prior, 1525 players enlisted for the closeout. Out of those, main 409 players were shortlisted for the last draft. At last, 90 cricketers were enrolled for the bartering out of which 30 were abroad ladies cricketers.

INDIA Ladies Versus WEST INDIES Ladies LIVE Spilling IN INDIA, IND W Versus WI W LIVE Broadcast IN INDIA, WHERE TO WATCH ICC WOMEN’S T20 WORLD CUP Reside? MATCH 9 Read More

CRPF Admit Card 2023: Today, the admit card for the CRPF recruitment exam will be made available for download.

Admit card

The admission card for the recruitment for the positions of Assistant Sub Inspector (Steno) and Head Constable (Ministerial) with the Central Reserve Police Force will be released today.

Admit Card for CRPF Recruitment 2023: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will release the admit card today, or on February 15, 2023, for the recruitment exam for the jobs of Assistant Sub Inspector (Steno) and Head Constable (Ministerial).

Through the official websites crpf.gov.in and crpfindia.com, applicants who want to sit for the examination for the positions of Assistant Sub Inspector (Steno) and Head Constable (Ministerial) will be able to download their admit cards.

Test specifics
The computer-based CRPF Head Constable Recruitment Exam will take place between February 22 and February 28, 2023. One paper with 100 objective-type questions will be on the exam, and you will have an hour and a half to finish it. The test will include a computer-based exam, a skill test, a PST, document verification, and a comprehensive medical exam.

Explain that the CRPF’s official website, crpf.gov.in, accepted applications for these positions from January 4 through January 31, 2023. This hiring effort aims to fill 1458 positions, of which 143 are for ASI (Steno) positions and 1315 are for Head Constable positions (Ministerial).

Able to download in this manner

  • Visit the CRPF’s official website at crpf.gov.in first.
  • On the home page, select the Recruitment link.
  • The moment you click the CRPF ASI & HC Admit Card 2022 link, a new tab will appear.
  • Enter the necessary information, then press “Submit.”
  • On the screen, your admit card will be visible.
  • Examine the download page and admit card.
  • For future reference, keep a physical copy of the same with you.
CRPF Admit Card 2023: Today, the admit card for the CRPF recruitment exam will be made available for download. Read More