“Transport of Agricultural Produce and Market Access to Gain New Momentum”: Deepika Pandey Singh
Mahagama: Deepika Pandey Singh, the Jharkhand Government’s Minister for Rural Development, Rural Works, and Panchayati Raj, inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several development schemes across the Meharma and Thakur Gangti blocks of Mahagama. Speaking on the occasion, she stated that the government's objective is to empower farmers, women, and the rural community to become self-reliant by strengthening basic infrastructure in rural areas.
Under the *Mukhyamantri Gram Sadak Sudridhikaran Yojana* (Chief Minister's Rural Road Strengthening Scheme), the foundation stone was laid for the strengthening of a 1.750-kilometer-long road connecting Dudhkol to Baghakhul (a PMGSY route) in the Thakur Gangti block. Constructed at an estimated cost of approximately ₹1.63 crore, this road will ensure safe and convenient connectivity for villagers, farmers, and students. The Minister noted that the road construction project would provide fresh impetus to the transportation of agricultural produce, market access, and local economic activities.
In Parsa village of the Meharma block, a community-based ‘Climate-Smart Infrastructure Project’ was inaugurated. Through a solar-powered lift irrigation system, irrigation facilities will be provided to approximately 60 to 70 acres of agricultural land. Additionally, solar streetlights have been installed in the area, ensuring improved lighting for the villagers.
This project is being implemented through a joint initiative of JSLPS and PRADAN. It will be managed by women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs), thereby creating new opportunities for women in the fields of leadership, management, and livelihood generation.
An ‘Organic Resource Center’ was also inaugurated at Dudhkol in the Thakur Gangti block. This center will promote organic farming and sustainable agricultural practices based on natural resources. Training and technical assistance will be provided to women from Self-Help Groups at this center, thereby encouraging farmers to adopt natural and low-cost farming methods.
Furthermore, a memorial built in memory of the late Haridevi *Ji* was unveiled within the premises of the Haridevi Referral Hospital in Thakur Gangti. The Minister remarked that this memorial stands as a symbol of respect for *Matrushakti* (women's power) and the values of social service. Minister Deepika Pandey Singh stated that the government's priority is to extend development to every village, connect farmers with sustainable agriculture, and economically empower women.
