Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra begins in North Garo Hills

Staff Reporter

Shillong, November 21: Committed to inclusive progress, ensuring every village and every citizen benefit from developmental schemes, ensuring ‘Health For All’ health camps are conducted as part of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra across the country.

A medical health camp was also organized at Harinkata Rabha village in the North Garo Hills district of Meghalaya as part of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra.

District Medical Health Officer briefed on Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and other schemes of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. During the Sankalp Yatra, health camps are also being organized in different districts of the State: East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, East Garo Hills and North Garo Hills where health services like Ayushman Card creation, screenings for diseases like TB, Sickle Cell, Diabetes, and Hypertension were provided.

A thorough screening was held, encompassing essential health check-ups such as blood pressure and sugar level assessments. Attendees had the opportunity to receive instant ABHA Cards and Ayushman Health Cards, providing them with quick access to healthcare services. In addition to health services, agricultural-related concerns were addressed by expert advisors on-site. The experts assisted in resolving issues related to agriculture, ensuring that the farming community received valuable insights and solutions to enhance productivity.

The Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL) conducted a drone demonstration at Mylliem in East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. The demonstration showcased effective use of technology to enhance agricultural productivity. The spreading of pesticides through drones, thus making effective management of pests in the farming of food crops had gained wide admiration from the villagers.

While in Dambo Rongjeng, Silchang Gittim, East Garo Hills district a drone demonstration was also carried out by the Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL) as part of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra demonstrating effective use of technologies to enhance productivity.

Meanwhile, an IEC Van of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting reached Harinkata Rabha, North Garo Hills district, Meghalaya. It was flagged off by ADC Nipon Hajong. People across the country are receiving the benefits of various health schemes under Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra.

While in Lumcharatoh village and Wahrymbai village under Thadlaskein Block of West Jaintia Hills district witnessed effective demonstration of the IEC Van highlighting the schemes and programmes of the Government of India. Drone demonstrations were also conducted in both the locations.

The aim of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is to generate awareness regarding the Central government’s welfare schemes and policies and achieve 100 per cent saturation of flagship government schemes.

Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra begins in Meghalaya

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Nov 15: Meghalaya joined the rest of the nation to mark the commencement of the nationwide “Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra,” a transformative initiative aimed at reaching the unreached and ensuring effective outreach of Government schemes.

The focus of the Yatra will be on reaching out to people and creating awareness and providing benefits of welfare schemes like sanitation facilities, essential financial services, electricity connections, access to LPG cylinders, housing for the poor, food security, proper nutrition, reliable healthcare, clean drinking water, etc. Enrolment of potential beneficiaries will be done through details ascertained during the Yatra.

In Meghalaya, the Viksit Bharat Yatra was inaugurated in East Khasi Hills district today. The Yatra will be covering all the Gram Panchayats (GP)/Blocks of West Jaintia Hills, East Garo Hills and North Garo Hills district also.

Chief Secretary DP Wahlang flagged off the vehicles carrying the message of “Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra” from the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Secretariat, Khyndailad, Shillong while inaugurating the Jan Jatiya Gaurav Divas (Tribal Pride). He emphasized the State’s commitment to the nationwide Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra. This Yatra marks a significant step towards a more inclusive and developed India, with a shared commitment to the growth and prosperity of the nation, he added. The Chief Secretary also inaugurated the cultural procession/march on Tribal Pride by artists, cultural troops and cultural associations. 

During the State level function of the Jan Jatiya Gaurav Divas (Tribal Pride) at U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong, Minister Arts & Culture, Paul Lyngdoh attended as the Chief Guest while CEM, KHADC, Pyniaid Syiem was the Guest of Honour.  

Floral tributes were paid to the fallen tribal heroes of the State by dignitaries and invites at the life size statue. A tribal museum which showcases tribal cuisine, craft and culture were also set up for the function.

The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi addressed the program marking the celebrations of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, 2023 in Khunti, Jharkhand. During the programme, the Prime Minister launched ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ and Pradhan Mantri Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups Development Mission. He also released the 15th instalment of PM-KISAN. Modi also laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects in Jharkhand worth Rs 7200 crore in multiple sectors like rail, road, Education, Coal, Petroleum and Natural Gas. He also took a walkthrough of the exhibition showcased on the occasion.

A video message from the President of India, Droupadi Murmu was played on the occasion. 

The Prime Minister also led the Viksit Bharat Sankalp pledge on the occasion.

Construction of Tura Medical College in progress

Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh has informed that the work for the construction of the Tura medical college is progressing.

ALSO READ: Meghalaya Govt to meet ADCs over proposed amendment to 6th Schedule

“We have about 45 per cent of physical progress. There are some problems (and) we are engaging with other nearby hospitals to ensure that we reach the mark of 450 beds as recommended by the MCI,” Lyngdoh told reporters.

She said that there were also certain problems with the availability of funds but that also has been sorted out.

The minister also announced that she will be visiting the construction site very shortly and said, “I am waiting for the model code of conduct to be completed quickly so I can begin to go on the ground to understand better but the Tura Medical College is progressing.

On the proposal to set up the Shillong medical college, Lyngdoh said that the government is yet to formulate a finalized approach and the matter has still to be taken to the cabinet adding that “but internal engagements are on”.

“We still require proper cabinet note to be sent proper projections to be made but yes Shillong medical college will probably change from the old proposal,” she said while adding that “We may have a PPP proposal as proposed earlier but not necessarily in Shillong but somewhere in this part of the state but all of this is being prepared now and it would be incorrect for me to divulge too much on that but one message which can go very clearly is that we are a concern and we are on the job and we will come up with a  proposal and a plan at the earliest.”

When asked, Lyngdoh said, “We want these institutions to be materialized within the timeline that was specified. I know that yes we were told to institute one and it has been done in the Garo region yes we have to institute something in the Khasi region or the Ri Bhoi region as well that is we are on the job and on the pipeline but we cannot spell it out with full authority as we are still at a discussion level and we still looking at what is the best way forward.”

AIM against gambling in melas

The Awakening Indian Movement (AIM) has sought the intervention of the deputy commissioner of East Khasi Hills district to ensure a blanket ban on gambling at melas being organized by different agencies.

Speaking to media persons, chairman of AIM Bansharai Marbaniang said that many people from other part of the country come to Meghalaya to host various kinds of melas, however these melas have games that encourage gambling with money which is detrimental and have a negative impact on the welfare of the people.

Marbaniang alleged that melas throughout the country are being held in order to provide entertainment to all citizens where they can experience happiness especially for children, students, and youth but at present melas in Meghalaya are being held with gambling which have detrimental and a negative impact on the welfare of the people.

“During our visit to the mela held at the Parking Lot outside Polo Ground in Shillong, the mela hosted various gambling activities with money and young people and students in uniform participated in various gambling games” said Marbaniang.

Marbaniang said that AIM is not against organizing melas in the state, however it stands against the act of gambling that is being held at the venues hence the AIM sought the intervention into this matter.