AMPATI: The Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, George Kurian, visited Meghalaya‘s South West Garo Hills district on Saturday to assess the progress of various developmental schemes.
During his visit to the district headquarters in Ampati, the Union MoS held a meeting with district officials from various line departments at the DRDA Conference Hall, DC Office in Ampati.
The minister inquired about the implementation of flagship programs aimed at improving the welfare of different sections of the population, ranging from infants and children to the elderly, through various sectors.
Union Minister Kurian emphasized that his visit aligns with the Central government’s “Act East” policy, which prioritizes inclusive and sustainable development across sectors.
The meeting, led by the Deputy Commissioner Hema Nayak, provided an opportunity for district officers to update the union minister on the progress of welfare schemes and highlight key challenges in implementation.
The discussion covered key issues, including the effective implementation of these programs to maximize their impact on the local population.
He was accompanied by his Personal Secretary, Dr. Vijay John, Israel Ingty, Secretary of the Social Welfare Department along with other officials.
Kurian also visited several facilities and engaged with beneficiaries during his tour.
As part of his visit, he inspected Belbari Primary Health Centre (PHC), where he interacted with medical officers and staff to understand the healthcare services being provided.
He proceeded to the Monabari Anganwadi Center engaging with the children and Anganwadi workers, and took part in a sapling plantation drive at the center alongside Deputy Commissioner Hema Nayak and Dr. Vijay John.
He also visited the Village Organization (VO) Office in Talbari, where he met with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and beneficiaries. He praised the women SHGs for their innovative efforts in creating usable products from water hyacinth plants.
The minister concluded his visit at the Batajor integrated Fish Farm, where he interacted with beneficiaries to understand the impact of the government’s initiatives on local fisheries.
This visit reflects the Central government’s continued commitment to ensuring the welfare of all communities through developmental initiatives in the Northeast region, fostering development through targeted interventions and community engagement.
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The visit also marks a significant step towards accelerating developmental progress in the South West Garo Hills district, as the Union Government continues to focus on promoting welfare and growth across sectors.
