New Delhi: The Development of North-East Region Ministry will examine the proposal-cum-project report proposing construction of a ‘rural market complex’ at Sohiong village in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya catering to needs of farmers, traders and consumers.
The proposal was mooted by a delegation from East Khasi Hills which called on DoNER minister Jitendra Singh here on Sunday.
The proposal provides a detailed outline of the project envisaged to be built on a 10-acre land in Hima Sohiong at a cost of Rs 10 crore. On completion of the project, it could be a “dream come true” for backward and remote village people establishing a market complex catering to diverse needs of farmers, traders and consumers.
Appreciating the effort taken in preparing the project report, Dr Singh said the ‘rural market complex’ — though a relatively new concept — could be applicable even in other parts of the country with similar topography and hilly terrain including several remote rural areas in peripheral districts of Jammu and Kashmir such as Kishtwar and Doda which could be benefited by such projects, he observed.
Dr Singh hoped that the initiative could “open a new chapter in providing comprehensive shopping complexes or malls in village areas, which would not only serve the local needs, but could, to a significant extent, also bring down the trend of migration of youth and other people from rural to urban areas.”
He assured the deputation that he would ask his Ministry officers to further develop the project report and seek professional help for its further modification and improvement if needed. An on-the-spot assessment of the proposed venue would have to be undertaken, he added.
As for the estimated expenditure, he said he would have to check whether it would be possible to include it in the upcoming budget which was already in the final stages of preparation in the Union Finance Ministry.
He said the Meghalaya government would also be taken on board and he would ask Secretary, North Eastern Council (NEC) to take up the matter with the Chief Secretary, an official statement here said. (UNI)
