Union MoS visits SWGH, interacts with district officials, beneficiaries

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Jan 27: In line with the mandate from the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER), Dr Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad, Union Minister of State for Finance, today visited Ampati, headquarters of Meghalaya’s South West Garo Hills district to assess the progress of implementation of various government schemes.

Dr Karad was accompanied by the MP of 2-Tura constituency, Agatha K Sangma, Rangsakona MLA, Subir M. Marak, Deputy Commissioner, R.P. Marak, Superintendent of Police, Vikash Kumar during the series of interactions he had at three consecutive locations during his maiden day-long visit to the district headquarter.

At Ampati Circuit House conference hall, the Minister was briefed on the progress and achievements as well as the challenges faced in the implementation of various Central flagship schemes through a PowerPoint presentation by ADC Dr Rezina Ch Marak with the participation of the officials of concerned line departments.

Conducting a comprehensive review of central government schemes led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and state government initiatives, he expressed satisfaction with the successful implementation of various schemes in the district, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to foster development in the Northeast region.

Dr Karad highlighted the potential to enhance financial inclusion, particularly in the hilly terrain, by increasing the reach of banks by establishing additional branches. He said discussions with Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma revealed the existence of bank correspondents, and efforts will be made to open more branches to serve the region effectively.

The Minister underscored the importance of improving healthcare services, focusing on increasing the accessibility of quality generic medicines and boosting Ante Natal Checkup and Institutional delivery percentages. He encouraged the registration of pregnant women for the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, providing financial incentives for institutional delivery.

 Addressing the need for awareness, Dr Karad emphasized the importance of promoting government-backed schemes, such as the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, offering affordable accident insurance. He also acknowledged the progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission in the district while calling for increased awareness and improved implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Aawas Yojana.

The Minister acknowledged the ongoing efforts in education through Eklavya Model Residential Schools and expressed a commitment to explore the possibility of opening more such schools to provide quality education to tribal students in remote areas.

As part of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra campaign, the Minister interacted with beneficiaries to raise awareness and ensure the saturation of government schemes across the country. The campaign aims to reach the unreached, particularly those eligible for various schemes but yet to avail of benefits.

He had a one-on-one interaction with few of the beneficiaries present and sought to know their feedback on availing the schemes as well as the problems they faced in availing them.

In concluding his visit, Dr Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad reiterated the collective responsibility to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, as envisioned by Prime Minister Modi, emphasizing the need for financial inclusion, awareness, and sustained efforts to bring about holistic development in the Northeast region.

During the interaction, MP Agatha Sangma and MLA, Subir Marak expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Dr Karad for taking the time to visit the region and listen to the problems of the people and certain challenges while implementing schemes and assured to take up the problems and work in tandem the Centre and the State.

The Union Minister later visited Ampati Civil Hospital to engage with dedicated medical professionals and discuss crucial enhancements for the health care system.

During the visit Dr Karad took the opportunity to interact with the doctors and medical staff, acknowledging their hard work and commitment to public health. He emphasized the importance of filling vacant posts within the hospital to ensure optimal patient care. Recognizing the urgent need for surgical interventions in the region, Dr Karad encouraged the medical staff to initiate surgeries promptly when required. His insight underscores the potential benefits of robust and responsive healthcare system for the people of the region.

Mukul questions govt action against students

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Sept 15: Opposition AITC leader and former chief minister Dr Mukul Sangma today slammed the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government for allegedly booking the students, who were arrested in the July 24-Tura violence, under the relevant section of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, which deals with terrorists and members of the banned organizations.

Speaking to reporters, Sangma said the reaction of the authorities with regards to the incident was more like a pre-planned modus operandi.

“You are seeing a government, who have the audacity to allow young boys and students, who are pursuing their academic careers to be booked under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, which are for the terrorists and members of the banned organizations,” he said.

“This indicates that the government instead of ensuring justice is becoming the main perpetrator of crime. It is a crime. If somebody is implicated falsely just to hide their own failures, is it not a crime?” Sangma asked.

Condemning the government’s action, the former chief minister said the government is trying to destroy the career of these young boys.

“Everybody’s career is important. Conrad Sangma’s career is also as important so also the career of those young boys, who are pursuing their courses of study. Maybe that boy arrested is the only boy who has reached this far in pursuing their academic career, maybe he is the only lone educated boy coming up and he might have dreams to contribute to the society. So these are something which reflects the mindset of the people in power and I condemn them,” he said while adding “This mindset is highly condemnable. Therefore, these issues need to be discussed in the August house. Will we get a chance? They will say it is subjudice so the media has to ask them are these boys’ terrorists?”

Sangma further reminded the State government that there is a procedure if any organization has to be notified as a terrorist organization.

“You look at the list of the terrorist organizations you will see this list is notified by the MHA and not by the State government. So which terrorist organization was there, which was banned that these boys have to be arrested under this particular Act. What are they trying to do that means the government of the day is hell-bent on becoming a perpetrator to do injustice to innocent people that is how I will put it,” he said.

Further, the AITC leader demanded the State government to rectify such wrongs done to the people of the people of State.

“It should not be repeated and the government must rectify all these wrongs that have been perpetrated upon the people of the state,” he said.

Church Leaders Forum expresses concern

The Khasi Jaintia Church Leaders’ Forum (KJCLF) has expressed concern about the situation in Bihar where a Christian Pastor and a Church elder from Shillong had encountered some incidents of hostility and aggression which could have put them in grave danger.

“We initiated prayers and intercessions for their welfare and safety and are thankful that no harm has befallen on them as we also received information that they are returning back home,” Secretary of the Forum Rev Dr Edwin H Kharkongor said in a statement here.

He said the KJCLF denounces the perpetration of violence against the Christian Mission workers, and expresses its appreciation to those responsible in the administration of both the States for the efficient communication between them and sorting the situation out in proper manner.

Meanwhile, the Forum also appealed to social media users to restrain from spreading news which has the propensity to provoke unwanted reactions.

Moreover, in supporting the work and services of Churches and Christian Mission organisations, the Forum also called on all concerned to be aware of local prevailing situations while fulfilling their mission work in other parts of the country.

When two days ago Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited a Christian place of worship on Easter Sunday the Forum appealed to those in authority in the country to see that peace and harmony prevail in society.