Union Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, visited Noney district on Friday to assess the progress of key development projects and review the implementation of Central schemes in the district.
The Minister’s visit comes amid ongoing efforts by the Central Government to accelerate development across Manipur following the formation of a popular government and gradual restoration of normalcy in the state.
The Minister’s helicopter landed at Longmai Common Ground at around 10:00 am, where he was accorded a warm reception by Deputy Commissioner Vidyamari Sridhar, IAS, Superintendent of Police Namsadai Peter, and other district officials.
Following a formal reception programme, the Minister visited the Longmai Primary Health Centre, where he distributed Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY cards to four beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. He also handed over house keys to beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin in the Rangkhung region.
As part of his inspection tour, the Minister visited Bridge No. 164 — the tallest railway pier bridge in the district — and reviewed the progress of major infrastructure projects, including works undertaken by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited on National Highway-37 and the Awangkhul Railway Station project.
Later, the Minister chaired a review meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office with District Level Officers from various line departments, along with officials from the Railways and NHIDCL.
The meeting focused on the implementation of Central Sector Schemes and other key developmental issues in the district.
During the meeting, departmental heads presented PowerPoint briefings highlighting achievements, ongoing initiatives, and challenges faced in execution. Officials also sought greater support from the Centre to address gaps, bottlenecks, and areas requiring further improvement.
Marking his maiden visit to the district, the Minister also planted saplings at the DC office complex and visited exhibition stalls set up by departments including Forest, Agriculture, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, and Horticulture.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Deputy Commissioner Vidyamari Sridhar.
