Hailakandi: A special programme was organised today in Hailakandi to mark the 25 years of Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), one of India’s most ambitious and impactful rural infrastructure initiatives. The function was organised at the PWD office in Hailakandi district, which was attended by the senior officials of the department, contractors, and members of the public.
The programme was attended by key stakeholders involved in the implementation of the scheme over the years. The Superintending Engineer of the Cachar Division, Ajit Das, graced the occasion as the chief guest. Executive Engineer of Hailakandi Shubendu Das, President of the PWD Contractors’ Association Raju Choudhury, and Assistant Engineer Babu Barbhuyan, among several engineers and contractors who played an active role in executing PMGSY projects in the district, also attended the event.
Addressing the gathering, Executive Engineer Shubendu Das presented an overview of the progress of PMGSY in Hailakandi district since its inception. He pointed out that the scheme was implemented in four phases across the country and has revolutionised the rural connectivity scenario. In Hailakandi district, around 387 kilometres of rural roads were constructed under Phase I, followed by 17 kilometres in Phase II and 95 kilometres in Phase III. In the current Phase-IV, around 202 km of rural roads will be constructed, for which provisions have already been made by the government.
Superintending Engineer Ajit Das, in his address, specifically placed special emphasis on the vast effects of PMGSY on rural development. He said, “The scheme has now resulted in bringing a positive effect on the rural economy with better access to markets, educational institutions, health facilities, and other important services. PMGSY has also contributed massively to the inclusion of inaccessible rural villages into the mainstream development scheme.”
Ajit Das also stated that PMGSY is one of the ‘most successful government programs’ in the country and remembered that it was a ‘dream scheme’ of the late Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The intention of the scheme, he said, is more than just building roads, but is to build connectivity that would help improve the lives of the rural people.
Other speakers in the programme also shared the same views, citing the impact of providing a link between interior villages and national highways. They also pointed out that the PMGSY has promoted inclusive growth by narrowing the deficit between development in rural and urban areas.
The programme concluded with the appreciation of the accomplishments of this scheme after 25 years and a renewed commitment to maintaining and expanding rural road connectivity in the district.