LIKABALI, Jun 10: Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Margherita on Wednesday reviewed the progress of developmental projects and flagship government schemes in Lower Siang district during a meeting held at Likabali.
Addressing officials, Margherita said developmental projects are the building blocks of the state's future and emphasized the need for continuous assessment and evaluation to ensure effective implementation and sustainable growth.
Expressing concern over school dropouts, he stated that every child leaving the education system is a matter of concern for the nation and stressed the importance of ensuring quality education and retaining students in schools.
The Minister reviewed the implementation of various Central and State flagship programmes and examined achievements, challenges and suggestions presented by different departments. Discussions focused on identifying solutions and strengthening delivery mechanisms to improve development outcomes.
During the meeting, Deputy Speaker of Arunachal Pradesh Assembly Kardo Nyigyor highlighted persistent road connectivity issues in the district, particularly along the Akajan–Likabali–Bame road. He urged the Union Minister to facilitate early intervention by the Central Government to address recurring monsoon-related road blockages.
Nyigyor also pointed out that poor soil stability has contributed to the rapid deterioration of several PMGSY roads in the region and suggested adopting engineering designs better suited to local terrain and geological conditions.
Nari-Koyu MLA Tojir Kadu appealed for an increase in per-unit allocations under rural housing schemes, citing the high cost of transportation and construction materials in the state’s difficult terrain.
Lower Siang Deputy Commissioner Gobi Nyicyor, and Additional Deputy Commissioners Ainstein Koyu and Mokar Riba also briefed the Minister on key achievements, developmental challenges and priority areas related to infrastructure and community welfare.
Heads of various departments made detailed presentations on ongoing projects and developmental activities in their respective sectors.
Earlier in the day, Margherita, accompanied by local legislators, visited the historic Malinithan Temple and offered special prayers for the well-being of the people of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The prayer also marked the milestone of Prime Minister Narendra Modi becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister in office.
Earlier, the visiting Union Minister was accorded a warm reception by district officials, Panchayat leaders and members of the public upon his arrival in the district ahead of the review meeting.
The visit underscored the Government’s continued focus on inclusive development and strengthening infrastructure and welfare initiatives in the frontier districts of Arunachal Pradesh. (DIPRO)