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Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Union MoS applauds Meghalaya's progress
Shillong: Union minister of state for cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar concluded his two-day official visit to Meghalaya on Friday as part of the Centre's ongoing efforts to assess and accelerate development initiatives in the northeast and lauded the progress of Meghalaya in various spheres. The minister engaged with senior state officials, district administrators and departments to review the implementation of centrally-sponsored schemes and emphasised on infrastructure, social empowerment and livelihood-based programmes. Highlighting the Centre's commitment to uplift remote regions, Gurjar said, "The Govt of India's vision for a Viksit Bharat can only be achieved when every region, including remote and hilly areas like Meghalaya, progresses hand-in-hand with the rest of the country". He emphasised the importance of effective Centre-state coordination, digital monitoring, and efficient fund utilisation, while calling for timely and transparent execution of projects. Gurjar reviewed the progress of flagship schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the Lakhpati Didi initiative, Jal Jeevan Mission, and the strengthening of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies among other centrally sponsored schemes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy the Dip: Top 5 Dividend Stocks with Growth Potential Seeking Alpha Read More Undo He acknowledged the successful implementation of these programmes, noting that grassroots feedback is crucial for policy evaluation and real-time course correction. Gurjar also acknowledged the challenges in land acquisition due to hilly terrain, forest cover and community ownership for critical infrastructure projects like airports and railways in Meghalaya. "In a democracy, we must listen to people's concerns. Environmental sensitivity and local participation must go hand-in-hand with development," he said. The minister appreciated the efforts of the Meghalaya administration and civil society for the visible progress on the ground. He noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the northeast has seen a decline in violence and insurgency, stronger financial support from the Centre, and increased ministerial outreach over the years. He called for transforming Khasi Hills into a model of development, stating, "Let it be an example of what a truly developed India can look like. I am truly pleased to see the honest and dedicated efforts made by the administration here in Khasi Hills. It is visible on the ground, and I congratulate everyone involved".
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Union minister Gurjar urges Meghalaya govt to talk to groups opposing rail projects
Shillong: Union minister of state for cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar on Friday urged the Meghalaya government to engage in dialogue with groups opposing railway projects aimed at connecting all northeast state capitals by rail. Union minister of state for cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar 'The Prime Minister's vision is to ensure strong and seamless connectivity across the country—be it through railways or airports—in every state capital,' Gurjar said. The centre had proposed two railway lines — a 22-km stretch from Tetelia in Assam to Byrnihat in Meghalaya and a 108-km stretch from Byrnihat to Shillong. The Tetelia–Byrnihat project, for which ₹496 crore was sanctioned, has seen significant groundwork but remains stalled now. The debate over railway connectivity in Meghalaya has been a contentious issue, marked by strong opposing views from the government, opposition parties, civil society organisations, and local communities. While proponents see railway expansion as a catalyst for economic growth, cheaper transportation, and improved trade, detractors argue it will lead to demographic shifts, environmental degradation, and the erosion of indigenous identity. 'The state must engage with all stakeholders to address concerns and ensure that key infrastructure is not indefinitely held back,' Gurjar said. Gurjar on Thursday reviewed several central schemes and took stock of flagship projects in East Khasi Hills, including the Mawtawar Water Supply Scheme — a project driven by community effort with government support. He also chaired a review meeting with the planning and cooperation department to assess the progress of schemes like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G), Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), National Livestock Mission (NLM), and the Mushroom Development Centre. Also Read: Meghalaya's rail connectivity imbroglio: A battle of opinions, promises, fears Reiterating the Centre's goal under Viksit Bharat 2047, Gurjar said, 'It is the Prime Minister's belief that when the people prosper, the states prosper, and when the states prosper, the nation becomes a thriving, self-reliant country.' Gurjar also interacted with beneficiaries of central schemes, including rural job card holders, women-led self help group (SHGs) known as Lakhpati Didis, cooperative societies, and water warriors.
