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.

PM Vishwakarma scheme to empower traditional artisans, craftsmen

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Sep 17: Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Food Processing, and Industries, Prahlad Singh Patel has stated that the ‘PM Vishwakarma’ scheme will accord due respect to the traditional artisans and craftsmen. Patel made these remarks today in Shillong during the launch of the scheme by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Minister emphasized that traditional artisans and craftsmen play an integral role in the society by preserving India’s centuries-old traditions and crafts but they are yet to receive the recognition they deserve, given their remarkable skills. Patel credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving the talented artisans their due right by launching the ‘PM Vishwakarma’ scheme. He highlighted that this initiative would provide the necessary support and training to empower these essential members of our society.

He conveyed his best wishes on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti and remarked that it is dedicated to the traditional artisans and craftspeople. Thanking the Prime Minister for launching the scheme for the artisans of the country, Patel said, “It is a coincidence that it is also the birthday of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi who has been labouring to build a prosperous Bharat. This is a historic day in the development journey of India as the government has come forward as a partner to elevate the respect, enhance the capabilities, and grow the prosperity of the traditional artisans and craftsmen”

Enumerating the details of the scheme, the Minister said that during the next five years from 2023-24 to 2027-28 with an outlay of Rs 13,000 crore, 18 focus areas of artisans and craftsmen – Carpenter, Boat Maker, Armourer, Blacksmith, Hammer and Tool Kit Maker, Locksmith, Goldsmith, Potter, Sculptor, Stone breaker, Cobbler (Shoesmith/ Footwear artisan),  Mason (Rajmistri), Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver, Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional), Barber, Garland maker, Washerman, Tailor and Fishing Net Maker have been included in the PM Vishwakarma Scheme.

They will be given recognition through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, skill upgradation involving basic and advanced training, toolkit incentive of Rs 15,000, collateral-free credit support up to Rs 1 lakh (first tranche) and Rs 2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5 per cent, incentive for digital transactions and marketing support, he added.

‘PM Vishwakarma’ scheme represents a perfect blend of India’s civilisational ethos and traditional craftsmanship. The scheme offers the option of earning livelihood while at the same time sustaining India’s age old Guru-Shishya Parampara, said the Minister.

Elaborating on the measures to impart training to the skilled artisans and professions, Patel informed that during training times Rs 500 per day allowance will be provided to the Artisan friends. He also said that a toolkit voucher worth 15 thousand rupees will be given for a modern toolkit and the government will help in branding, packaging and marketing of the products.

The products of the local artisans will also be made available in the Government e Marketplace (GeM) for better marketing of their products, he added. He requested the authorities to make awareness across the state so that people get to know more about the scheme and can get themselves benefitted.