Aizawl, June 2 (IANS) Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting L. Murugan on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central government accord high priority to the development of the entire Northeast region.

Addressing an interactive session in Kolasib district, the Union Minister said the Prime Minister has often emphasised that the development of the Northeast is integral to India’s development. He added that significant efforts are being undertaken to improve road connectivity and infrastructure in the region to further enhance the quality of life of the people.

Murugan also appreciated Heads of Offices and NGO representatives for their dedicated efforts and contributions in their respective fields. He expressed his satisfaction with the visible progress made in sports and women’s empowerment.

Highlighting the continuous improvement in connectivity, he mentioned that the Bairabi-Sairang railway line is now operational, and the Rajdhani Express has already started running between Delhi and Sairang, near Aizawl. The visiting Minister noted that this has greatly attracted tourists to Mizoram, resulting in a significant increase in visitors from outside the state.

He highlighted that the state government and the Ministry of DoNER are working closely together to develop the district and the state. As the region is prioritised for development, the Central government has been highly supportive, resulting in rapid progress.

Speaking about his own portfolio, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, he expressed his delight that Mizo filmmakers have been able to participate in the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa and other platforms.

The Minister said he would encourage major filmmakers to shoot their films in Mizoram’s beautiful locations. He added that continuous progress is being aimed at by putting in the utmost efforts into the tourism and cinema sectors.

Murugan urged the attendees to make their best efforts towards implementing the Central government’s ‘PM Surya Ghar’ (rooftop solar scheme) initiative.

On the topic of education, he emphasised that primary education is crucial as it forms the foundation.

Expressing concern over the high dropout rate among students, the Minister stated that maximum effort is needed to motivate both children and their parents. He also called upon the gathering to give their absolute best to achieve the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, an initiative aimed at making India a fully developed and prosperous nation by the year 2047.

Representatives from various NGOs, including the Young Mizo Association (YMA), Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP), Mizoram Upa Pawl (MUP), and the Mizoram Journalists’ Association (MJA), Kolasib, participated in the interactive session.

Later, the Union Minister held a meeting with the Deputy Commissioner of Kolasib District, H. Dolianbuaia, and the Heads of Offices from various departments.

During the interactive session with the Union Minister, a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the profile of Kolasib District and the progress of various government schemes was showcased. This was followed by a Question-and-Answer (Q&A) session.

Murugan also visited the Kolasib District Hospital and held a productive interactive session regarding healthcare delivery and hospital infrastructure.

On Wednesday, the Union Minister is scheduled to conduct site visits to a PM SHRI School, an Anganwadi Centre, Diakkawn High School, Regional Sports Training Centre Saidan, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research campus.

–IANS

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