Has PM Modi Transformed the Northeast Region?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi's initiatives are reshaping the Northeast.
- Collaboration between state and central governments is essential.
- Timely execution of projects is a priority.
- Challenges such as security and flooding must be addressed.
- New funding mechanisms are being introduced.
Imphal, Jan 17 (NationPress) Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu stated on Saturday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has significantly altered the perception of the Northeastern states through dedicated development efforts.
The Minister presided over a review meeting regarding current initiatives under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and also conducted departmental review sessions for the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO), and National Buildings Construction Corporation (India) Limited (NBCC).
Sahu emphasized that for the holistic advancement of Manipur, collaboration between the state and central governments is essential.
He noted that the overall presentations were commendable and urged officials to inform the Ministry about issues and challenges that may delay the timely execution of schemes.
All projects must be executed and finalized within their designated timelines, even if certain exceptions are necessary under specific circumstances, he added.
The Minister requested officials to provide written reports that specify schemes needing special attention during their execution.
Regarding the delays in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) [PMAY(U)] 1.0, Sahu mentioned that schemes could be proposed to the Ministry for effective execution, particularly since PMAY(U) 2.0 has been launched.
During the meeting, various Centrally-sponsored flagship programs of the state government were presented.
The review meeting, held at the Conference Hall of the Old Secretariat at Babupara in Imphal, addressed the progress of Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban (SBM-U) 2.0, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), and the Prime Minister’s Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM-SVANidhi).
Concerning the Imphal Smart City Mission, officials reported on the status of 21 completed projects and four ongoing projects.
Highlighting the challenges faced, officials pointed out that ongoing security issues over the past three years and unusual flooding for two consecutive years have negatively impacted the timely completion of projects.
The implementing departments have requested an extension of project timelines until September 2026.
The Town Planning Department, while discussing AMRUT 2.0, a mission aimed at ensuring ‘water security’ in cities, revealed that 27 towns across six districts—Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, Bishnupur, and Jiribam—are eligible for the mission.
The department indicated that the focus is on towns not included in previous schemes, with a funding ratio of 90:10 between the Centre and the state.