Lok Sabha MP chairs entry point level meeting at SAGY Sanga dorjee

SORENG, (IPR): Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba chaired the Entry Point Level Meeting (EPLM) of the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) at Village Administrative Centre, Sanga dorjee on Friday.

The main objective of the meeting was to discuss and make a Village Development Plan (VDP) for the adopted Sanga dorjee village in collaboration with the District Administration Soreng and local stakeholders.

The meeting began with the National Anthem along with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, which was followed by the welcome address delivered by panchayat president Dawgay Lepcha.

During his address, Indra Hang Subba emphasised the importance of various government schemes and programmes, stating that the SAGY aims to utilise the existing schemes and programmes to transform the adopted village into a model village, in order to improve socio-economic conditions. He then apprised that the scheme will be closely monitored by BDO and panchayats, under the guidance of the Member of Parliament.

Pointing various areas of concern, he stressed the need for awareness programmes regarding Aadhaar registration, mental health, financial literacy, senior citizen rights, cyber crime and online lottery with the involvement of concerned departments and experts.

Stressing on Dhara Bikash scheme, the Lok Sabha MP instructed the BDO and panchayats to assess its feasibility in the region. Additionally, he suggested initiating complete digitisation of the adopted Gram Panchayat Unit in the initial phase, wherein he assured to provide necessary support and assistance.

Addressing the house, Rinchenpong MLA Erung Tenzing Lepcha expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the MP for adopting Sanga dorjee GPU under SAGY. Highlighting the objectives of SAGY, he mentioned that Sanga dorjee is an agriculture based region. Mentioning the region as one of the producer of ginger and cardamom, he urged all to engage in the cultivation with greater dedication and commitment. Emphasising the importance of collective sense of belonging, he appealed all to effectively utilise all government schemes and programmes. Concluding his address, he assured that every effort would be made to transform Sangadorjee into the best GPU in the entire State.

Deepak Rai, State Nodal Officer cum joint secretary (RDD), gave an overview of the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY), informing that it was launched in 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He informed that the scheme primarily focused on all round development, especially backward Gram Panchayats under the guidance of Member of Parliament. In addition, he apprised about the MIS and SAGY portals where all the activities of block and GPU levels will be updated by the assigned officials. He emphasised the role of State and district level committee which are constituted to review progress and to guiding in implementation process. Stressing the significance of the key areas under SAGY, he urged all to actively participate in providing feedback and suggestions for the VDP.

During the meeting, the house also opened for discussions in response to the Village Development Plan presented by Kamala Rai, PI BAC (Kuluk), on various sources of development of Sanga dorjee Gram Panchayat Unit under SAGY. During which the heads of departments of Soreng district proposed potential capabilities to be included in the plan. The house then deliberated on a health and hygiene awareness programme in the GPK, where the MP instructed the concerned BDO and panchayats to mobilise local resources by identifying qualified employees, teachers, and volunteers from the community, who would then be trained for the programme.

Regarding the education sector, the MP urged promoting kitchen garden in schools, with the produce to be used in the mid-day meal. Stressing on waste management, he called for collective efforts from all concerned panchayats and officials. He further directed the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services and Fisheries departments to identify suitable areas for implementation of government schemes in close coordination with the concerned BDO and panchayats.

Additionally, Horticulture and Forest departments were directed to distribute saplings to the interested beneficiaries on a cluster basis and to carry out a plantation drive with the participation of the MP and MLA. The departments were also tasked with tracking the progress of the planted saplings.

The meeting also had the presence and participation Tila Devi Gurung, Zilla Adhakshya (Soreng), panchayat members, Santosh Kumar Allay ADC-II (Soreng), Gaayas Pega ADC (Dev.), DN Sharma SDM (Mangalbarey), Dr. Namgay Bhutia CMO (Soreng), Dabgyal Lama BDO (Kaluk), heads of offices, officers, officials and local stakeholders.

Later, the meeting concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Buddha Kumar Subba, assistant director (Sanga dorjee GPU).