Centre urged for all-weather border roads: RK Ranjan
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 21 2022:
Union minister of state for education and external affairs Dr RK Ranjan said that he had submitted a formal letter to the ministry concerned for development of all-weather roads in the international border areas of the north east states, which share international boundaries with three countries.
The union MoS disclosed the information during the foundation stone laying ceremony of an Eklavya Model Residential School to be constructed with funding from the ministry of tribal affairs at Tharang New Tusom in the north block of Ukhrul district on Monday.
In his address, the minister said that the north east states share common borders with three countries and it is important to improve road infrastructure in this region, especially in the border areas.
Considering the need, he submitted a formal letter to the ministry concerned for developing all-weather roads in the border areas, which will connect all the north eastern states, he said.
He had also submitted proposals for establishment of tax free border haats along the border areas of the north eastern states.
The first border haat was sanctioned in Arunachal Pradesh but was stalled following a spate between India and China.
He will submit proposal for five border haats for the state with New Tusom, Kamjong, Ashang Khullen and Behiang as the preferred sites.
Making these border haats tax free will enhance border tourism and economy of the state, he said, while expressing confidence that Prime Minister Narenda Modi will definitely approve the proposal.
Dr RK Ranjan also highlighted various development projects, which could be taken up under Border Area Development Programme (BADP), and said that he will assess the infrastructure requirement in the border areas of the state for preparing a list of proposals.
Maintaining that PM Modi is taking up initiatives to ensure proper implementation of government schemes and programmes, he said that the new EMRS for which foundation has been laid is one of the projects under the initiative.
He also observed that there are several rare orchids available in the border areas of Ukhrul town.
Expressing belief that there could be vast resources of medicinal plants in the area, he stressed the need for utilising these untapped potentials to boost the economy of the state and its people.
BJP Manipur Pradesh spokesperson and former deputy speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly MK Preshow Shimray and New Tusom village headman Shangmayo Vashum were also present on the occasion.