Small changes can make big differences, said RD-PR Minister Thongam Biswajit on Thursday while speaking at an India@75 Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (Seminar cum Tree plantation) at Sanakeithel to Leisan, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) road, Ukhrul.
The programme was a part of a series of similar seminar cum tree plantation drive organised by the Rural Engineering Department/MSRRDA as a part of the 75-week long Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Biswajit said that roads constructed under PMGSY have connected many villages located in the interior parts of the state, helping bring development to the far flung villages. These small achievements and positive changes have contributed in bringing inclusive development in the country.
“Today’s programme was organised to create awareness on the importance of tree plantation and to highlight the significance of PMGSY in the process of developing India,” he said.
The minister further asserted that it is the Prime Minister’s vision of building an Atmanirbhar Bharat or self-reliant India, which can be realised only when all the states including Manipur become self-reliant.
The Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is not only to celebrate but to commemorate the progress of the country and the glorious history of the people, culture and achievement. The festival began on March 12 this year and will continue till August 15, 2023, he added.
Highlighting the importance of active participation from everyone, Biswajit said that public participation in every locality will bring an overall significant gain for the country.
“We should encourage involvement and participation of every citizen of the country and make Azadi Ka Amrit Mohotsav a mass movement. Today’s small tree plantation drive will not only beautify the roadsides constructed under PMGSY, but will also help in checking the ecological imbalances affecting our planet,” the minister said.
He also appealed to the villagers to continue the tree plantation drive further.
Biswajit said that PMGSY was introduced by former Prime Minister Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee with the vision to develop and improve the social, economic and educational sectors in rural areas by enhancing road connectivity between cities and villages and bring equal and balanced development.
He also explained various schemes of the government and their provisions including Weavers’ Card, Yarn Passbook, National Rural Livelihood Mission among others and urged the villagers to take benefit from the schemes.
RD and PR additional chief secretary, MH Khan said that as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mohotsav, every department is conducting a set of activities. The RD and PR department is also organising several activities in different blocks and districts in the state and today’s programme is a continuation of the activities. The department needs cooperation of all villagers for successful implementation of developmental schemes; he said further seeking cooperation and suggestions from all.
The programme was also attended by RED/MSSRDA chief engineer, Pantising Thaimei; concerned department officials, officials of district administration, village chief and members of village authority among others.
