STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Over 30 Union ministers, including Cabinet ministers, visited Assam in the last two months. They reviewed various central schemes, announced new schemes and extended holistic support to Dispur.
A section of opposition leaders views the frequent visits of Union ministers to the state and staying a day or two here as a political gimmick. The State Government says that the visits of Union ministers reflect the seriousness of the Centre for the development of the Northeast.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mansukh Mandavaya, Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Ayush Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and others, including Ministers of States.
Official sources said that during their recent tours to the state the Union ministers reviewed the progress of various central schemes, held meetings with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, held workshops and drew a development roadmap. Their visits have boosted development in the state.
The officials pointed out Finance Minister Sitharaman approving a new Rs 3,000-crore bridge over the Brahmaputra, several schemes announced by Petroleum Minister Puri, a Minister of State for Industries and Commerce holding discussions on various tea-related issues, JJM Minister Shekhawat asking the State Government to speed up scheme works to meet the target.
He also assured the State Government of extending holistic support for meeting the JJM target. The sources further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent all these ministers to Assam to give decisive boosts to schemes and projects for the development of the state.
The officials further said that visits of Union ministers to the state help them get sanctions and approvals of various issues without any officials visiting New Delhi. It is possible because top-level officials always accompany Union Ministers during their visit to any state. And that makes it easier to get things done.
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