Soreng, December 30 (IPR):
Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, Mr George Kurian on his first day of visit to Soreng district, convened a review meeting to assess the progress of ongoing developmental works in the district. The meeting was held at a local hotel in Baiguney, Soreng district.
The Minister was accompanied by Additional PS to MoS Mr PK Suresh and Liaison Officer Dr. Shanti Ram Chettri.
On his arrival, the Minister was welcomed by the Secretary (Fisheries Department) Ms Roshni Rai, the District Collector, Soreng, Mr Dhiraj Subedi, the ADC (Soreng) Mr DR Bista along with Heads of Departments.
The DC Soreng, Mr Dhiraj Subedi presented a comprehensive overview of the district's development status and ongoing initiatives before the Minister. During the presentation, the DC highlighted the progress of various projects being implemented across the district and briefed the Minister on key performance indicators under the Aspirational District Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Block Programme (ABP). It was informed that Soreng district has been awarded gold and silver medals for its achievements under ABP and ADP. The DC also apprised the Minister of several innovative initiatives undertaken by the District Administration, including the One Day at School Programme, Swaccha Paani, Swastha Haami, Thyapchay Mukt/Thumb Impression Free Abhiyan, Digital Nomad Village, Doorstep Governance and Didi Ko Khajaghar.
The Minister enquired about the distance of the nearest speciality hospital from the district and assured necessary support from the government to address healthcare accessibility.
Meanwhile, the Secretary (Fisheries Department) Ms Roshni Rai informed that the government has launched the district's first Organic Fisheries Cluster under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and has emerged as the leading district in fish cultivation in the state.
Further, Assistant Director (Fisheries Department) and Nodal Officer (PMMSY), Mr Surendra Bhandari, made a detailed presentation on the fisheries profile of both the state and the district. He also placed important proposals for consideration under Phase Il of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), stating that their approval would significantly benefit fish farmers across the state.
Present at the meeting were ADC (Development) Mr Gaayas Pega, ASP Soreng Mr Parsu Ram Sharma, SDM (Soreng) Ms Sakchum Lepcha, Additional Director (AH&VS) Mr Kishore Thapa, Joint Director (Fisheries) Mr Lobsang Tamang, and Heads of various line departments.