Shillong, July 18: Union minister of state for Cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar has appreciated the performance of East Khasi Hills district in implementing the various central government schemes and urged officers to continue to capitalise on the central government’s Act East policy.
The minister, who is on a two-day visit to the state, inspected Mawtawar Water Supply Scheme, a convergence project of MGNREGS and PHE departments.
During his meetings with Planning & Cooperation departments, Gurjar reviewed implementation of various centrally sponsored schemes – MGNREGS, PMAY-G, JJM, NLM, Computerisation of PACS and ARCs, PM DeVINE, NESIDS, Mushroom Development Centre etc., in the district.
Speaking to reporters, he shared the prime minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, which represents the government of India’s ambitious initiative to transform the nation into a developed entity.
He also underlined the prime minister’s focus on development of North Eastern states as a catalyst for regional development towards achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat.
The minister of state also interacted with beneficiaries of MGNREGA, PMAY (G), Lakhpati Didi, Cooperate Society and Water Warrior.
Gurjar further emphasized the prime minister’s vision that development of people will lead to development of each state which in turn makes the national developed.
‘Hold discussions with groups opposing railway projects’
Meanwhile, the minister of state called for discussions with those opposing railway projects in Meghalaya, to resolve their concerns and facilitate development of essential infrastructure.
He said land acquisition has remained a significant hurdle in implementing the railway project in the state.
He mentioned that the prime minister’s aim is to ensure comprehensive connectivity across the country, including railway and airport infrastructure in every state capital.
Of the two railways projects – 22-km Tetelia-Byrnihat and 108-km Byrnihat-Shillong line – the Rs 496-crore Tetelia-Byrnihat section in Meghalaya has made little progress in years due to strong opposition from various groups raising apprehension about influx.
