Union minister pushes fast-track development in Hailakandi, calls for action on pending projects

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 29, 2025

Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, has urged Hailakandi district officials to fast-track all pending development projects to accelerate its shift from an aspirational district to a fully developed one.

The minister issued this directive during a review meeting with District Commissioner Nisarg Hivare and top administrative officials, concluding her three-day visit to Hailakandi.

Bambhaniya highlighted the district’s untapped natural resources and called for their strategic use in launching livelihood-generating initiatives to improve local incomes. “There is immense potential here—we must act decisively,” she stated.

Her visit began Monday with an inspection of the Food Corporation of India’s paddy storage facility at Lalabazar, followed by detailed discussions on the status of key government schemes under the Aspirational Districts Programme.

Over the course of her stay, the minister engaged with PMAY beneficiaries, local artisans, and women-led self-help groups (SHGs), applauding their role in grassroots socio-economic growth. She expressed particular satisfaction with the energy and leadership shown by SHG members in driving change on the ground.

Bambhaniya also conducted a comprehensive review of progress in core sectors such as education and healthcare, agriculture and animal husbandry, public health engineering and rural development and the Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ASRLM).

She offered specific feedback and directed departments to intensify their efforts, especially in poverty alleviation and basic services delivery.

During her field visits, the minister also stopped by the Anganwadi Centre at Sultanichera under the South Hailakandi Development Block. Speaking with local parents and community members, she emphasized the importance of regular attendance to strengthen early childhood education.

Bambhaniya’s visit ended with a clear message: development in Hailakandi must be swift, strategic, and inclusive—starting now.