Imphal: Union Minister of State for Steel & Rural Development, Faggan Singh Kulaste inspected various projects which were undertaken under the Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission in Khangabok RURBAN Cluster, today.
The MoS was accompanied by State Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister, Thongam Biswajit Singh and officials of the concerned department during the inspection tour. The team inspected the overhead water tank at Khangabok Water Supply Scheme, overhead water tank at Sangaiyumpham Water Supply Scheme at Khangabok Cluster Thoubal District and upgradation of Health and Wealthness of Tentha GP to Primary Health Centre, Tentha.
Faggan Singh Kulaste along with Biswajit also attended an interaction programme with members of various Self Help Groups at Ebudhou Thongju Lakpa Community Hall. The interaction which was also attended by Imphal East DC, Khumanthem Diana and other officials was organised by the Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM), Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Government of Manipur.
Briefing media persons after the interaction, MoS Faggan Singh Kulaste said that as reported in other parts of the country, Manipur also has a huge number of Self Help Groups (SHGs). These SHGs will facilitate increasing employment in the State.
The robust growth of SHGs is a big achievement for the country, especially for womenfolk, he said adding that it is the Prime Minister’s vision that we can achieve women’s empowerment only when we empower them financially.
He explained that the SHG is a concept to facilitate women in starting a business to improve the financial condition of their families and help them to become financially independent. He continued that any shortcomings will be sorted out through discussion with the State government as well as at the Central level.
The Minister of State also commended the SHG members for producing good quality items and said the government will try to ensure that raw materials are locally available.
He continued that the overhead water tanks inspected today at two different water supply schemes were constructed at the costs of around Rs.3.crore (approx) each under the Shyama Prasad Mukherji RURBAN Mission. He continued that these overhead water tanks will help in fulfilling the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s dream of providing tap water to every household of the country.
Minister Biswajit said that the projects inspected today are taken up under the RURBAN Mission to develop the rural areas. He said that these projects are undertaken from time to time at approved blocks.
An additional block has been identified at Ukhrul and work will commence soon, adding that another three blocks will soon get recognition soon.
He said that these development projects are undertaken as part of the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a New Atma Nirbhar Bharat with a special focus on the health sector and provision of drinking tap water in every household of the country.
Later, in the afternoon, the Union MoS interacted with the officials of the RD&PR department at the Conference Hall of Classic Grande, Chingmeirong.
During the interaction, Deputy Secretary of RD&PR, Lalrobul Fimate highlighted the progress and status of various schemes undertaken by the department namely Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin, Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana and National Rurban Mission.
During the interaction, Minister Biswajit Singh urged the Union Minister to increase the budget for MGNREGS and released funds on time. He also instructed the officials to complete all works of NREGA by September.
The MoS Faggan Singh Kulaste also encouraged the officials to promote DDU-GKY Scheme as this scheme will help in providing employment to the youth in the State. Additional Chief Secretary, P Vaiphei and other department officials attended the interaction.
