LIKABALI,
Union Minister of State (MoS) for Corporate Affairs and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra is on a two-day visit to Lower Siang district, reviewing key development projects and ongoing infrastructure works.

The Minister was accorded a warm welcome at the Circuit House in Likabali, where he was accompanied by Lower Siang Additional Deputy Commissioner Kardo Nyigyor, Mokar Riba, officers and Panchayat members.

During the first phase of his visit, the Minister inspected the newly constructed Kardu Taipodia District Hospital at Likabali, built under Government of India funding. He reviewed hospital infrastructure and interacted with the District Medical Officer, Medical Superintendent, doctors and staff to assess manpower availability and medical equipment facilities.

Malhotra assured the hospital authorities that issues related to shortage of manpower and medical equipment would be taken up with the Prime Minister’s Office and concerned ministries for necessary action.

He later inspected the Jal Jeevan Mission drinking water project at Likabali and interacted with engineers and beneficiaries regarding its implementation and progress.

In the afternoon, the Minister visited PM Shri Upper Primary School at Silli village, where he interacted with school authorities, Gaon Burahs, School Management Committee members and villagers.

Expressing concern over low student enrolment despite adequate infrastructure and population in the area, Malhotra stressed the need to strengthen the education system.

“The importance of education must be prioritised, and communities should actively support initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao,” he said.

He also urged stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the 33 per cent women’s reservation policy to improve women’s participation and social development.

“The cultural heritage and traditions of society must be preserved through education so that the younger generation can sustain its identity,” he added.

The Minister also visited Oil Palm nursery projects at Dipa, Seren, Pam and Old Deka villages, where he interacted with experts and progressive farmers on the scope of oil palm cultivation in the district.

During his road inspection, Malhotra travelled along Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) routes and reviewed the quality and progress of road and bridge works executed by the State Rural Works Department. He expressed dissatisfaction over delays in the construction of the bridge over the Pale River at Pale village.

Responding to a memorandum submitted by the Mongu Banggo Society regarding the deteriorating condition of the bridge over the Silli River, the Minister assured that the matter would be taken up with the concerned ministry for urgent and appropriate action.