Key Points

Union MoS Raksha Khadse visited Sribhumi under the Poorvottar Sampark Setu initiative, stressing youth and sports as catalysts for social upliftment. The district showcased strong progress in agriculture, health, and education, including high PM-KISAN saturation and antenatal care enrollment. Khadse praised local governance while urging faster implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission and digital payments. Her visit highlights the Northeast’s growing role in India’s Viksit Bharat vision.

Key Points: MoS Khadse Highlights Youth and Sports for Northeast Development in Sribhumi

  • Khadse reviews Sribhumi’s 103% PM-KISAN saturation and 126% paddy insurance enrolment
  • Khel Maharan 2.0 sees 246,500 youth registrations
  • 94% antenatal care enrollment in first trimester
  • 96% Aadhaar-based rural payment coverage
3 min read

Union MoS Khadse underlines youth, sports as key drivers of social upliftment during 'Poorvottar Sampark Setu' initiative in Sribhumi

Union MoS Raksha Khadse emphasizes youth empowerment and sports infrastructure during Poorvottar Sampark Setu visit, reviewing Sribhumi’s progress in agriculture, health, and education.

"Sribhumi exemplifies how committed governance and community energy can rewrite development narratives. – Raksha Nikhil Khadse"

Sribhumi, June 26

Continuing her whirlwind tour of the Northeast, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse arrived in Sribhumi on Thursday under the Centre's Poorvottar Sampark Setu outreach initiative--an ambitious programme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deepen administrative ties and accelerate development across the region.

During a robust one-day engagement in Sribhumi, Khadse chaired a review meeting with officials from 26 departments.

She underlined youth and sports as key drivers of social upliftment and assured enhanced support for sports infrastructure and youth-centric initiatives. Fresh from inspections in Unakoti and a surprise visit to Agartala's Sports Authority of India (SAI) Sports Training Centre earlier this week, Khadse's Sribhumi visit brought into sharp focus the district's recent strides, as per a ministry press release.

Meanwhile, the Khel Maharan 2.0 programme has galvanised 246,500 youth registrations across eight disciplines, from kabaddi to road cycling, highlighting sports' rising allure in rural Assam.

During a robust one-day engagement in Sribhumi, Khadse chaired a review meeting with officials from 26 departments. The meeting brought into sharp focus the district's recent strides in agriculture, health, education, fisheries, and welfare schemes. On agriculture, Sribhumi has notched a 103 per cent saturation under PM-KISAN and surpassed the 126 per cent target for Sali paddy insurance enrolment through PMFBY. Food security is equally robust: nearly 97.9 per cent of allotted NFSA rice has reached more than one million beneficiaries. In health, 33,662 expectant mothers registered for antenatal care in 2024-25, with over 94 percent enrolling in their first trimester; departments are now tackling rising hypertension and anemia cases.

On agriculture, Sribhumi notched a 103 percent saturation under PM-KISAN and surpassed 126 percent enrolment for Sali paddy insurance under PMFBY. Food security is equally robust: nearly 97.9 percent of allotted NFSA rice has reached more than one million beneficiaries. In health, 33,662 expectant mothers registered for antenatal care in 2024-25, with over 94 percent enrolling in their first trimester; departments are now tackling rising hypertension and anemia cases.

Education officials reported 223,034 students enrolled across primary to higher secondary schools, with attendance holding steady at 72 per cent. Teacher presence remains high at 88 percent an encouraging sign as authorities push to close learning gaps.

Fisheries underpin local livelihoods: last year's production of 19,430 MT, dominated by pond and tank yields, sustains nearly the entire population's dietary needs.

"Sribhumi exemplifies how committed governance and community energy can rewrite development narratives," Khadse told reporters. "From Unakoti's model schools to Agartala's athlete training and now Sribhumi's agricultural and health successes, we are one step closer to realising Modi ji's vision of a truly Viksit Bharat in the Northeast."

Looking ahead, the Minister urged district officials to fast-track pending household tap connections under Jal Jeevan Mission, shore up maternal-health infrastructure, and harness digital platforms for seamless Aadhaar-based payments which already stand at 96 percent coverage in rural livelihoods schemes.

Her day in Sribhumi concluded with grassroots interactions--meeting members of civil society organisations to gather firsthand feedback on service delivery. As the Poorvottar Sampark Setu caravan moves on, Assam's northeastern hamlets remain firmly in the national spotlight.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Great to see focus on Northeast development! Sports can truly transform lives in rural areas. Kabaddi and cycling gaining popularity is wonderful. But hope the infrastructure reaches all villages, not just district HQ. 🏅 #ViksitBharat
R
Rahul M.
Impressive numbers on PM-KISAN and paddy insurance! But as someone from Assam, I hope they also address flood-resistant crops. Our farmers suffer every monsoon. Sports initiatives are good but basic needs come first.
A
Ananya S.
Heartening to see 94% early antenatal registrations! 👏 But anemia in mothers remains a huge challenge - hope they provide iron supplements and nutrition education. Sports programs should include adolescent girls too for holistic development.
S
Suresh D.
While the report looks good on paper, I've visited Sribhumi last year. Ground reality is different - many schools lack proper toilets and sports equipment. Ministers should do surprise checks without prior notice to see actual conditions.
M
Meena T.
Northeast has so much untapped sports potential! If given proper training facilities, our youth can bring Olympic medals. Just look at Mary Kom's example. Hope SAI centers get more funding and qualified coaches.
V
Vikram J.
Good to see 96% Aadhaar coverage, but digital payments still face issues in remote areas with poor network. Hope they improve connectivity along with these schemes. Overall a positive step for Northeast integration with mainstream development.

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