Guwahati: Union minister of State for road transport & highways and corporate affairs Harsh Malhotra visited Assam’s Darang district on 23 August to assess the progress of various development schemes in the district. The Minister began his visit by inspecting the Baghpari Chapari number 2 water supply scheme under Mangaldai division of the Public Health Engineering department. During the inspection, Malhotra also interacted with local residents and beneficiaries.
The minister held a series of discussions with eminent citizens, social workers and representatives of various organizations at Mangaldai circuit house to address issues related to the development of Darang locality. The rail connectivity with Mangaldai and enhancing road infrastructure got a special focus in the discussion.
Later, he engaged in discussions with representatives of self-help groups (SHGs) from various parts of the district. The SHG members shared their success stories in textile production, food preparation, poultry & animal husbandry and highlighted their contributions to the local economy. The minister commended the women for their financial independence and timely loan repayments, attributing their success to the centre’s development initiatives under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He also interacted with the beneficiaries of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, discussing agricultural challenges in the district and the progress of central schemes aimed at enhancing the agricultural sector. Speaking to the reporters, Malhotra recalled the special attention of PM Modi towards the development of northeast Bharat. He noted that Modi instructed the council of ministers to visit various districts of the region, particularly those that are underdeveloped, every three months to monitor the progress of different development projects. During his visit, the minister also visited one LP and one HS school in Mangaldai.
Malhotra reviewed the implementation of central schemes across various departments including education, health, agriculture, public works, public health engineering, soil conservation, etc. At the DC office, he was also briefed on Darang district’s achievements and national-level recognition received in several sectors in the last few months. The minister acknowledged Darang’s significant progress as an aspirational district and encouraged its continuation.
He also visited the under-construction Skill University in Mangaldai to assess the progress of the project. Throughout his visit, Malhotra was accompanied by Darang-Udalguri Parliamentarian Dilip Shaikia, Chipajhar legislator Paramananda Rajbanshi, Mangaldai legislator Basanta Das, Darang district magistrate Munindra Nath Ngatey with other dignitaries.
