What Did Union Minister Sitharaman Achieve During Her Four-Day Meghalaya Visit?
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Synopsis
Discover the highlights of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's impactful visit to Meghalaya, focusing on youth empowerment through the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme and the inauguration of the new Polo Shopping Complex. This visit marks a pivotal moment in urban growth and development in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Union Minister Sitharaman emphasizes youth empowerment through PMIS.
- The Polo Shopping Complex marks a vital urban development milestone.
- Interns encouraged to become ambassadors for the PMIS.
- Complex features sustainable design elements.
- Government committed to supporting entrepreneurship.
Shillong, July 10 (NationPress) Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman commenced her four-day official tour to Meghalaya on Thursday, engaging in various activities in the state's capital, Shillong.
During her visit, she led an interactive session of the North East Roundtable under the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme (PMIS), where she interacted with interns, industry leaders, and senior officials from different states to assess progress and gather personal insights regarding this flagship initiative.
In her address to the public, the Union Finance Minister underscored the vision driving the scheme. She stated, "The primary aim of the PMIS, as envisioned by the Prime Minister, is to assist individuals who have never had job opportunities, helping them acquire essential skills and gain valuable exposure. This program is designed to connect you with leading companies, enabling you to adapt to professional environments and enhance your career prospects. I am thrilled to see so many of you seizing this opportunity."
On this significant day, she remarked, "Today is Guru Purnima, a time to honor our teachers and mentors. The mentors you encounter in these organizations may play pivotal roles in your lives."
Furthermore, Union Minister Sitharaman encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs among the interns, assuring them of comprehensive support from the Ministry of Finance. "The internship experience that ignites entrepreneurial spirit was unforeseen, but it reflects the intention behind this scheme. Both the government and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs are dedicated to advancing this initiative. I urge all interns to complete their courses and become ambassadors for PMIS, benefiting more youth in the future," she stated.
Earlier that day, she inaugurated the Polo Shopping Complex in Shillong alongside Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, and State Health and Family Welfare Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh.
The Polo Commercial Complex marks a significant milestone in Shillong's urban development, established under the Smart Cities Mission. As the city's first modern shopping mall, it enhances Shillong's commercial infrastructure and improves residents' quality of life with contemporary facilities and sustainable design.
Constructed at a project cost of Rs 100.33 crore, this complex spans 1.26 acres with a built-up area of nearly 1.7 lakh square feet.
In alignment with environmentally friendly development objectives, the Polo Commercial Complex features a rainwater harvesting system and rooftop solar panels.
Over the next few days, Union Minister Sitharaman will participate in several programs and meet various stakeholder groups to review development projects and engage with beneficiaries across different sectors.
Present at the occasion were Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Health and Family Welfare Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, Chief Secretary Donald Phillips Wahlang, and Secretary of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Deepti Gaur Mukerjee.
Point of View
Union Minister Sitharaman's visit to Meghalaya highlights the government's commitment to youth empowerment and urban development. Her focus on the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme reflects an understanding of the challenges faced by young individuals in today's job market, aiming to create opportunities that will benefit the nation as a whole.
NationPress
30/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme?
The Prime Minister's Internship Scheme (PMIS) aims to provide internships to young individuals, helping them gain skills and experience in professional environments.
What is the significance of the Polo Shopping Complex?
The Polo Shopping Complex represents a significant step in Shillong's urban development, enhancing its commercial infrastructure and quality of life for residents.
How does the PMIS support entrepreneurship?
The PMIS encourages interns to explore entrepreneurial avenues, providing guidance and support from the Ministry of Finance to help them get started.
What are the environmental features of the Polo Complex?
The Polo Shopping Complex incorporates a rainwater harvesting system and rooftop solar installations, aligning with eco-friendly development goals.
Who else was present during the inauguration of the Polo Shopping Complex?
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, and Health and Family Welfare Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh were also present.
