MoS inspects developmental projects in Pakyong, emphasizes equitable access to safe drinking water

GANGTOK,: Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India, paid an official visit to Pakyong district on Thursday to review and inspect a series of developmental projects and welfare initiatives under various central and state schemes.

The minister commenced her visit with an inspection of the NHIDCL road project along NH717A (Ranipool to Pakyong), which is currently under construction, informs a PIB release.

During the inspection, the minister emphasized the need to expedite the work and ensure timely completion of the project, maintaining both quality and safety standards.

She then visited Government Primary School, Pachey Samsing, where she interacted with students and staff. Chief education officer (Pakyong) and the school headmaster briefed her on the educational facilities and infrastructural needs of the institution. The minister advised the Education department to institutionalize a “Pravesh Utsav” as a regular practice to celebrate and warmly welcome children on their first day of school, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment from the very beginning of their academic journey.

The minister's other engagements included a review of the JJM Scheme—Augmentation & Retrofitting of Rural Water Supply Scheme (RWSS) from Nampey Khola to Lower Samsing, accompanied by officials from the zilla panchayat. She interacted with the local public and beneficiaries to ensure that the benefits of the JJM are reaching the last-mile households, reaffirming the commitment to “Har Ghar Jal” and equitable access to safe drinking water.

She also visited the Pakyong ICDS Centre and held discussions regarding nutritional and child welfare services. She also assessed progress under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana at Namcheybong Block, where she met Sukman Rai of Rai Goan and interacted with local farmers.

Additionally, she inspected the Pakyong primary health centre, where the chief medical officer highlighted ongoing healthcare initiatives and challenges in rural outreach. At Pachey, the minister met members of the Sanskriti Self Help Group, commending their efforts towards women’s empowerment and livelihood generation. She also toured the handloom training centre at Pacheykhani, and appreciated the efforts of local artisans in promoting traditional crafts.

Her final engagement was a review of the RDFS Power Scheme, focusing on the revamp of the power distribution sector networking system from Pakyong to Rorathang, alongside the superintending engineer of Power department.

While interacting with the media, Bambhaniya said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, new doors of development are opening in North East India.

It is to be mentioned that the Union MoS Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya is on a four-day official visit to Sikkim and reached Gangtok on Wednesday.