FM Sitharaman inaugurates Rs 59 crore road project in Meghalaya, interacts with youth
Shillong, June 20
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday inaugurated the Jowai-Nartiang-Kdiap-Khanduli Road in Meghalaya's West Jaintia Hills district and interacted with students, sportspersons and local residents, highlighting the Centre's commitment to strengthening infrastructure and creating opportunities for youth in the Northeast.
The road project, built with funding support from the New Development Bank at an estimated cost of more than Rs 59 crore, was inaugurated at a function held at the Wahiajer Football Stadium.
The improved road network is expected to significantly enhance connectivity across the region, facilitate access to markets and essential services, and boost economic activities in the district.
Addressing the gathering, Finance Minister Sitharaman said that quality infrastructure plays a crucial role in accelerating development and ensuring that the benefits of growth reach remote and border areas of the country.
She noted that improved connectivity would contribute to livelihood generation and overall socio-economic progress in the region.
The Finance Minister also held an interactive session with students of Kiang Nangbah Government College, Jowai.
During the discussion, students raised issues related to higher education, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, technology and nation-building.
Responding to their queries, Sitharaman encouraged the students to remain curious and committed to lifelong learning.
She stressed the importance of critical thinking, informed decision-making and the responsible use of digital technologies in an era of rapid technological advancement.
Referring to the challenges posed by the digital age, the Union Minister observed that while access to information has become easier through mobile devices, the abundance of unfiltered content can often lead to confusion and distraction.
She advised young people to exercise restraint, verify information carefully and seek guidance from parents, teachers and mentors before forming opinions.
Later, Sitharaman interacted with schoolchildren and sportspersons at the Wahiajer Football Stadium, which has been developed at a cost of over Rs 65 crore under the Ministry of Finance's Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) Scheme.
Spread across 16 acres, the sports complex features a FIFA-standard synthetic football turf, a World Athletics-certified eight-lane 400-metre synthetic track, a 100-metre straight track, and facilities for multiple field events.
With a seating capacity of over 6,000 spectators, the stadium is expected to emerge as a major sporting hub for Meghalaya and the Northeast, promoting talent development and fostering a vibrant sporting culture among the youth.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's good that she interacted with students. But I hope the FM also listens to their concerns about job creation in the region. Roads alone won't solve unemployment. We need more industries and skill development centres in the Northeast.
A FIFA-standard football stadium in Meghalaya? That's world-class infrastructure! The Northeast has so much sporting talent and this will give them a platform. Great to see the government investing in sports across India, not just in metros.
Jowai-Nartiang road will connect remote villages to markets and health facilities. This is the kind of development that changes lives. But let's see if the maintenance is done properly. Many projects in the Northeast become potholed within a year.
FM Sitharaman's advice about the digital age is relatable. Even in small towns, everyone has a smartphone but no filter for fake news. Responsible use of tech is crucial for our youth. Good that she's addressing this with students directly.
Rs 59 crore for a road in one district? That seems expensive. I hope there's proper transparency and no corruption. Infrastructure in remote areas is needed, but we must ensure every rupee is well spent. Still, happy to see development in the Northeast!
A We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.