PMGSY connects unconnected, aids development: Biswajit
Source: Chronicle News Service/ DIPR
Imphal, August 21 2021:
Rural Development and Panchavati Raj minister Thongam Biswajit has pitched for transforming the on go ing Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav into a Jan Andolan or mass movement as the mahotsav is a celebration of the glorious history of the country.
The minister emphasised on making the campaign a mass movement during his speech at an "India @75 Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (seminar-cum tree plantation)" held on Saturday at Phumlou Maning Leikai community hall.
The tree plantation drive was conducted along the stretch from Phumlou to Singda Road, which has been constructed under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Package Number MN 0532 .
Minister Biswajit said that the present government has launched various developmental schemes like PMAY, SAUBHAGYA, MNREGA, etc, for the people.
The tree plantation drive will help in checking the environmental imbalance, he said, adding that the small changes through such activities will help in bringing significant change to the nation.
Biswajit said that PMGSY was introduced by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee with the vision to develop and improve the social, economic and educa tional sectors in rural areas by enhancing road connectivity between cities and villages and bring equal and balanced development.
He said that the main objective of PMGSY is to connect all unconnected habitations in the rural areas through construction of all-weather roads with necessary culverts and cross-drainage structures, in such a manner that it will provide the most economic and efficient connectivity thus promoting access to economic and social infrastructure.
The minister informed that during Phase I, connectivity was provided, and Phase II was focused in enhancing socio-economic activities of the far flung villages.
Phase III is mostly about upgrading the roads connecting government offices, health care centres, schools, banks, etc.
Biswajit further asserted that the present government has managed to bridge the gap between the hills and the valley.
"Today, we are able to enjoy a bandh free, blockade free-state, which is an achievement in itself," he mentioned and called upon all eligible persons to get the Covid -19 vaccine at the earliest to help effectively contain the pandemic.
In his address, Sekmai MLA Heikham Dingo said that RED is a major department in the state for de velopment of rural roads.
However, the government department alone cannot successfully implement schemes but requires support and cooperation of the local populace, he said and urged the minister to enhance road connectivity in his constituency.
During the seminar, officials of the RED sensitized the public regarding the various schemes taken up by the department.
The seminar was attended by Adhyaksha Imphal West, Zilla Parishad members, chief engineer RED/MSSRDA Pantising Thaimei and officials of departments concerned among others.
The programme is part of a series of similar seminar cum tree plantation drive being organised by the Rural Engineering Department (RED)/MSRRDA as part of the 75-week long celebration of Azadi ka Amrit Mahot sav, which is initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of Independence of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements.
It may be mentioned that 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi by flagging off 'Dandi March' from Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmed abad, Gujarat on March 12, 2021.The Mahotsav will continue till August 15, 2023 .
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