ITANAGAR, May 8: Union Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Corporate Affairs Harsh Malhotra is on a two-day visit to Lower Siang district, where he reviewed several infrastructure, healthcare, education and rural development projects.
Accompanied by Deputy Speaker Kardo Nyigyor, ADC Mokar Riba, Govt officials and Panchayat representatives, the Union Minister visited the newly constructed Kardu Taipodia District Hospital building at Likabali, which was funded by the Centre. He conducted a detailed inspection of the hospital infrastructure and interacted with the District Medical Officer, Medical Superintendent, doctors and staff members to assess the availability of manpower and modern medical equipment.
He assured the hospital authorities that concerns related to shortages of manpower and medical equipment would be taken up with the Prime Minister’s Office and the concerned ministries for necessary action.
Malhotra later inspected the Jal Jeevan Mission drinking water project site at Likabali and interacted with engineers and beneficiaries regarding the implementation and progress of the scheme.
In the afternoon, the Minister visited PM Shri Upper Primary School at Silli village, where he interacted with school authorities, Gaon Burahs, School Management Committee members and villagers. Expressing concern over poor student enrolment despite the availability of adequate infrastructure and a sizeable local population, he stressed the importance of strengthening educational participation.
Highlighting the importance of education in social development, Malhotra urged the community to actively embrace the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative launched by the Prime Minister. He also underlined the significance of ensuring meaningful implementation of the 33 percent reservation policy for women to improve their social and economic status.
The Minister further appealed to teachers to preserve and promote the cultural heritage and traditions of society through education so that younger generations can continue to uphold their unique identity.
Later, Malhotra visited oil palm nursery projects at Dipa, Seren, Pam and Old Deka villages, and interacted with experts and progressive farmers regarding the scope and development of oil palm cultivation in the district.
He travelled along PMGSY roads originating from Likabali and carried out spot verification of roads and bridges being executed by the State Rural Works Department. During the inspection, the Minister expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in completion of the bridge over the Pale River at Pale village.
Responding to a memorandum submitted by the Mongu Banggo Society regarding the deteriorating condition of the bridge over the Silli River, Malhotra assured the public that the matter would be urgently taken up with the concerned ministry for necessary intervention and early resolution.