All defaulting parties will be held responsible: Pema Khandu

OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: Expressing concern over the slow progress of several road projects under Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) scheme, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu asserted that all defaulting parties will be held responsible.

During a review meeting on the progress of PMGSY roads across the State on Wednesday here, the Chief Minister directed the Rural Works Department (RWD) to convene a meeting of all the contractors engaged in the construction of such roads and review the status of each road project. He also asked RWD Minister Honchun Ngandam to chair the next review meeting in the first week of October, and take reports from the contractors on the status of each road project.

As per records, a total of 1,311 roads measuring about 13,868 kms have been sanctioned and 933 projects of 9,744 kms have been completed till date. The Union government has set a target of 4,850 kms of PMGSY roads for the State in the financial year of 2020-21.

"Call all contractors and let them explain in person about the challenges they are facing and the reasons for delay if any," said Khandu. He pointed out that unless Part 1 and 2 of the scheme are completed, the State cannot go for Part 3; and consequently many villagers will be deprived of road connectivity.

Maintenance of the PMGSY roads came up as one of the major challenges faced by the department. With the largest road network in terms of length, the PMGSY roads located in rural and remote terrains, are badly affected by the monsoons every year. However, for maintenance, funds are not easily available as it comes under the State subject.

Khandu sought a way out to resolve this issue from his officials in consultation with the Chief Secretary.

While taking stock of the Miao-Vijayanagar PMGSY Road, he assured the department that the gap funding for the road would be adjusted. He also suggested that the RWD should take up this road on a priority basis and maintain continuity in its construction. He was assured by the department officials that by end of March next at least SUVs and four-wheel drive equipped vehicles would reach Vijaynagar, an official communiqué informed.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT: The Chief Minister along with Skill Development Minister Tumke Bagra also reviewed the status of 'Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana' in the State.

The Skill Development department has set a target of skilling 14,434 persons by 2021. Till date, at least 8,631 persons have been trained; of them, altogether 4,872 persons have been given placements. As per data, more and more youths are opting for training in the sectors of Electronics and Hardware, followed by Tourism & Hospitality and Media & Entertainment. The Chief Minister suggested that the Department should focus on high-end skill development especially in the sectors of Tourism and Healthcare services. He also asked the department to focus on providing training for excavator operators, call centers, etc, which have better scope of employment within the State in near future.

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