Fortunate to take charge of RD & PR, MAHUD: Khemchand
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 30 2022: At the time when people want a relook into achievements of ministers and departments as the second term of BJP government in the state almost completed seven months, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (RD & PR) and MAHUD minister Y Khemchand is trying to showcase how far roads and bridges could be developed under PMGSY scheme in the state.

Minister Y Khemchand's initiative and target seems to be going in the right track as more than 60km road have been black-topped under PMGSY scheme since he assumed the charge of RD & PR around six months back and preparations are on to inaugurate 27 bridges constructed since he became minister.

In an exclusive interview, Y Khemchand told The People's Chronicle that the Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is the most important scheme under the two departments he is currently in-charge and PMGSY is the most significant scheme for the state situated at the far corner of the country having poor road connectivity.

"Forget about the past, I am trying to show to the people clearly how far roads and bridges in far flung areas of the state could be developed under PMGSY scheme within a short pe riod and handing over of RD & PR and MAHUD portfolios to me during the second term of the N Biren-led BJP government was fortunate for me," Khemchand said adding that improving road connectivity is important in bringing the state to the path of speedy development.

This is my belief that every community will discard differential thoughts and bring equality in the society when road connectivity is improved and help people in income generation, he said with reference to completion of black topping of 60km road under PMGSY scheme within six months.

Apart from this, 27 bailey bridges constructed at 27 different places having communication problem are also ready for inauguration, he added.

Roads and bridges projects being taken up in Ukhrul and Churachandpur districts under PMGSY scheme are progressing ahead of schedule while officials and contractors concerned have been given strict instruction to monitor quality control by physically inspecting the projects, he said adding that projects being taken up in Tamenglong district will be inspected soon.

Being taken up mostly in far flung areas of hill districts, people often talk about improper execution of PMGSY projects after withdrawing money.

However, government has taken up steps to prevent this and decided not to release bills without showing progress of the projects through geo-tagging.

Apart from this, government is preparing to introduce a new policy to change people's view on PMGSY projects and enable contractors to complete assigned projects within the stipulated time, Khemchand informed and cautioned that contractors, who could not complete assigned projects in time and fail to maintain quality, will be not be assigned any new projects.

Contractors having adequate machineries will be given contracts which are to be taken up under similar criteria and special condition will be set against contractors found letting sub-contact.

Y Khemchand further said that RD & PR department is putting enormous efforts to improve road connectivity in far flung areas of the state with a challenge and people would soon witness something new and change.

Comment