Shillong, Mar 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated multiple development projects worth more than Rs 290 crore for Meghalaya, including laying the foundation stone for key initiatives.
Notable projects for which the foundation stone was laid include the construction of an IT Park in Tura and the expansion of a new four-lane road, along with converting an existing two-lane road into four lanes at New Shillong Township.
Additionally, the Prime Minister also inaugurated a Farmers’ Hostel-cum-Training Centre in Upper Shillong, along with avenues aimed at promotion of sports, tourism and education in the state.
The Farmers’ Training Centre in Upper Shillong, established on May 2nd, 1973, significantly contributed to the advancement of farmers in East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, Southwest Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, and Eastern West Khasi Hills through various training programs.
However, due to the deteriorating condition of the old Assam type building, a new construction was initiated under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme RKVY 2018-19 and was completed in 2023-24. The Training Centre aims to modernize farming practices, promote organic farming, distribute inputs, and raise awareness about nutritional values.
Prime Minister emphasized the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat- Viksit Northeast,’ underlining the government’s relentless pursuit of development and prosperity in the region.
He launched the Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme (UNNATI), an initiative aimed at bolstering industrial development in the Northeast with a holistic outlay of Rs 10,000 crores. Prime Minister said, “Northeast is the ‘Ashtalakshmi’ of India. Our government is committed to the development of the Northeast.”
Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma, taking to his X handle, thanked the Hon’ble Prime Minister and wrote, “‘Viksit Bharat Viksit North East’ programme has given us the vision and confidence that under your leadership our Nation and the region can move forward. Your commitment for accelerating progress and development is guiding us to work with the common agenda of making Northeast the growth engine of India.”
Thank you Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji for inaugurating and dedicating the Farmers Hostel cum Training Centre at Upper Shillong and laying the foundation for over Rs 290 cr projects including IT Park in Tura and construction of four lane road at New Shillong Township.
‘Viksit… pic.twitter.com/amhN3mu5dq
— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) March 9, 2024
Highlighting the government’s focus on women empowerment, the Prime Minister spoke about the Government’s ambition to have 3 crore Lakhpati Didi. Notably, Meghalaya’s efforts in uplifting women through various projects and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), significantly increasing their economic participation and empowerment has been commendable with the number of SHGs rising from 4,500 to 45,000 in just 6 years.
As a symbol of unity and celebration of development in the Northeast, Prime Minister Modi urged people to illuminate their mobile phone flashlights, commemorating the transformative journey ahead.
