Small changes can make big differences: Minister Biswajit
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, August 19 2021: Small changes can make big differences, said Rural Development and Panchayati Raj minister Thongam Biswajit Singh on Thursday while speaking at "India@75 Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (Seminar-cum-Tree plantation)" held at Sanakeithel to Leisan, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Road Ukhrul.

The programme is part of the series of similar seminar cum tree plantation drives organised by the Rural Engineering department/MSRRDA as part of the 75-week long Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

The festival began on March 12 and will continue till August 15, 2023.Speaking on the occasion, Biswajit explained that Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is not only to celebrate but to commemorate the progress of the country and the glorious history of the people, culture and achievement.

He also noted that roads constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) have connected many villages located in the interior parts of the state, consequently helping in bringing development to these far-flung villages.

This small achievements and positive changes contribute in bringing inclusive development in the country, he said adding that the programme is organised to create awareness on the importance of tree plantation and to highlight the significance of PMGSY in the process of developing India.

The minister also conveyed that the programme is part of the Prime Minister's vision for building an At-manirbhar Bharat or self-reliant India, which can be realised only when all states including Manipur become self-reliant.

"We need involvement and participation of everyone in making Manipur self-reliant," exhorted the minister to the gathering.

Highlighting the importance of active participation from everyone, the minister added that public participation in every locality will bring an overall significant gain for the country.

"We should encourage involvement and participation of every citizen of the country and make the Azadi ka Amrit Mohotsav a mass movement," he stressed.

Biswajit opined that the humble tree plantation drive will not only beautify the roadsides constructed under PMGSY, but will also help in checking the ecological imbalances affecting our planet today.

While appealing to the locals to continue the tree plantation drive, Biswajit also highlighted various schemes of the government and their provisions including Weavers' Card, Yarn Passbook and National Rural Livelihood Mission among others and urged the villagers to avail benefits of the schemes.

Additional chief secretary (RD & PR) MH Khan, who was also present at the programme, said that as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mohotsav, every department is conducting a set of activities.

The RD & PR department is also organising several activities in different blocks and districts in the state and Thursday's seminar cum tree plantation is a continuation of the activities.

The department needs cooperation of all villagers for successful implementation of developmental schemes, he said and sought cooperation and suggestions from all.

The event was also attended by RED/MSSRDA chief engineer Pant-ising Thaimei, department officials, officials of district administration, village chief and members of village authority among others.

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