Port Blair, Feb 15: A two-days training programme on implementation of PMGSY-II, organized by the Directorate of RD, PRIs & ULBs in collaboration with the National Rural Roads Development Agency (NRRDA), Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), began in the Conference Hall of the Zilla Parishad, South Andaman today with its inauguration by the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Chetan B. Sanghi.

In his address, the Chief Secretary encouraged the participants to avail the opportunity to understand the various aspects of PMGSY-II for effective implementation of the scheme in the rural areas of this UT. The Chief Secretary further appreciated the Secretary (RD) and Engineers for collecting the details of rural roads for up-gradation, repair & maintenance and submitting the same to the Ministry in a very short time. He also expressed his expectations in completing the further modalities to ensure that the rural road works progress in a time bound manner. 

While welcoming the participants, the Secretary (RD, PRIs, ULBs), Shri Krishan Kumar said that rural road connectivity, and its sustained availability, is a key component of Rural Development as it assures continuing access to economic and social services and thereby generates sustained increase in agricultural incomes and productive employment opportunities.

The Director (Technical), NRRDA, MoRD, Shri. B.C. Pradhan with his team explained in detail the various aspects for preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) under PMGSY-II and its implementation in this UT. He reiterated the basic objective of the scheme to cover upgradation of existing selected rural roads based on their economic potential and their role in facilitating the growth of rural market centres and rural hubs. 

Altogether, 45 participants from Departments viz. APWD, RD, PRIs and Port Blair Municipal Council are attending the training programme. The day one of the training programme concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by the Director (RD, PRIs, ULBs), Dr. Navlendra Kr. Singh.