Williamnagar (Meghalaya), May 27 (H.S.): Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse visited Williamnagar in Meghalaya’s East Garo Hills district on Wednesday. During the visit, she inspected sports facilities in the district and reviewed efforts aimed at strengthening sports infrastructure at the grassroots level. She visited the artificial football turf developed at the RGHSS playground in Williamnagar and emphasized the need to provide better facilities for young athletes in the region.

The visit was organised under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region’s (MDoNER) ‘Poorvottar Sampark Setu’ initiative. The objective of the initiative is to strengthen coordination between the Centre and the states, conduct ground-level reviews of development schemes, and accelerate development activities across the North-Eastern region.

During the visit, the Minister of State for Sports also reviewed the progress of the under-construction ‘Khelo India Multipurpose Indoor Hall’ at Tambo A’ding. She stated that the Central Government remains committed to developing modern sports infrastructure in the North-East.

The Union Minister also reviewed schemes related to fisheries and animal husbandry. She stressed the importance of strengthening the rural economy and expanding sustainable employment opportunities for local communities. Discussions with officials focused particularly on enhancing productivity, developing local capacities, and expanding economic opportunities.

She also observed local handicraft products and traditional artworks. Praising the rich cultural heritage of East Garo Hills and the craftsmanship of local artisans, she emphasized the need to provide stronger market access to local craftsmen and self-help groups.

Union Minister Khadse stated that the North-Eastern region holds a vital place in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of inclusive and balanced development. “Through initiatives like ‘Poorvottar Sampark Setu,’ we are directly engaging with local communities and district administrations to better understand regional priorities,” she said.

She further said that the progress being made in strengthening sports infrastructure in East Garo Hills, enhancing livelihoods through fisheries and animal husbandry, and preserving traditional handicrafts is encouraging. The Central Government remains committed to ensuring that the benefits of development reach the last person and that new opportunities are created for the youth.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar