Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra picks up pace in Meghalaya

Shillong: The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra (VBSY), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Jharkhand on November 15, is gaining momentum in Meghalaya with villagers from various blocks of the state enthusiastically engaging with the information, education and communication (IEC) vans, which are travelling to the interior villages, spreading awareness about the advantageous schemes offered by the Union government.
The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is a nationwide initiative to inform and empower citizens about the Centre’s flagship schemes reached over one lakh people across 259 gram panchayats on its first day of launch. The yatra aims to generate awareness about government welfare schemes and achieve 100% reach to all citizens. It marks a significant step in empowering the citizens to become active stakeholders in the country’s development.
Officials associated with the programme said beneficiaries have been thronging the IEC vans and actively interacting with the representatives from various central government departments, banks and oil companies, seeking information about loans and Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.
“In the East Khasi Hills district, the IEC vans covered two villages each in Pynursla, Mawpat and Sohiong blocks. Efforts were taken to provide services of the several government schemes as well as raise awareness on the benefits of such schemes for the beneficiaries with the help of NABARD, Krishi Vikash Kendra, gas companies, national fertilizers companies and other government agencies,” an official statement said.
“Similar programmes were also carried out at Umlangshor and Mukhla Nongrim gram panchayats under Thadlaskein block of the West Jaintia Hills district. Several beneficiaries gathered at the VBSY site where the representatives of various government departments briefed them about the beneficial schemes of the Centre,” the statement said. “These IEC campaign vans are showcasing a comprehensive overview of the flagship schemes and programmes spanning over nine years, drawing numerous beneficiaries who share their perspectives on the government’s initiatives. Pamphlets and booklets containing information about various development and welfare schemes in the 2024 calendar year for the people are also being distributed on the spots,” the statement said.
The yatra aims to deliver essential services and advantages to beneficiaries ranging from sanitation workers, those in financial services and problems in electricity connections among others.