Minister Rai in first review meeting, sets development goals

way2barak, January,27 :—Historic milestone was set in Barak Valley’s development journey as Minister for Food & Public Distribution, Consumer Affairs, Mines & Minerals, and Barak Valley Development, Kaushik Rai, spearheaded the first Review Meeting of the Barak Valley Development Department. Convened at the new conference hall of the DC’S office in Silchar on monday, the meeting marked a transformative moment in the region’s development trajectory.

The landmark event witnessed the presence of Silchar MLA Dipayan Chakraborty, Udharbond MLA Mihir Kanti Shom, Sonai MLA Karim Uddin Barbhuiya, and other eminent MLAs from the three districts of Barak Valley. Senior officials, including District Commissioner of Cachar Mridul Yadav, District Commissioner of Karimganj Pradeep Kumar Dwivedi, and District Commissioner of Hailakandi Nisarg Hivere, along with departmental heads, also participated actively.

The review meeting aimed to evaluate the progress of ongoing projects and the implementation of state and central government schemes for the comprehensive development of Barak Valley. Shri Kaushik Rai stressed the pivotal role of the Barak Valley Development Department in strengthening ties between Guwahati and the Barak Valley.

During his address, the minister announced that the Barak Valley Mini Secretariat is set to be completed by December 2025, with an inauguration ceremony to be presided over by Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma.

A thorough review of several significant projects was conducted, highlighting their importance in shaping the region’s future. Notable initiatives included the Barak Valley Mini Secretariat, Karimganj Medical College, and the 500-bedded New SMCH Block, which is expected to be operational by October 2025. The Super Speciality Hospital at SMCH, with advanced departments like Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Nephrology, and Urology, was another focal point of discussion.

Additional projects such as the Lakhipur District Hospital, Convention Centre at Silcoriee ,slated for completion by March 2025, District Library ,scheduled for December 2025, and a range of highway and expressway developments, including the East-West Corridor, Silchar-Vairengte 4-Lane Highway, and Barapani-Panchgram Expressway, were also reviewed. Further emphasis was placed on educational infrastructure projects like the G C College University and New Model Degree Colleges at Dholai and Lakhipur.

Minister Kaushik Rai highlighted the transformative potential of the 500-bedded emergency hospital, set to revolutionize healthcare in the Barak Valley. He also underscored the role of the upcoming Super Speciality Hospital at SMCH in meeting specialized medical needs.

Infrastructure development formed a key pillar of the discussions, with the minister reaffirming commitments to timely completion of highways, expressways, and academic institutions. Projects like the Borkhola-Kalain Highway, Dwarbond-Bhanga Highway, and integrated DC office in Silchar showcased the government’s dedication to building a robust framework for regional growth.

The meeting served as a testament to the government’s unwavering resolve to drive progress and development in the Barak Valley. Minister Kaushik Rai reiterated the region’s potential for transformative growth, promising a brighter future under the government’s focused leadership.

Earlier in his inaugural address at the first review meeting of the Barak Valley Development Department, Secretary Adil Khan extended a warm welcome to the officials present and highlighted the significance of this new initiative. He recalled that Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the formation of the department on December 11, 2024. Secretary Khan emphasized that the Barak Valley Development Department would oversee the implementation of central and state government schemes in the region, ensuring effective monitoring and supervision. He expressed optimism that, under the visionary leadership of CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Barak Valley would witness unprecedented progress and a new era of development.
Later, addressing the media at the old conference hall of the DC’s office, Minister Kaushik Rai elaborated on the key discussions from the three-hour-long meeting. He acknowledged the Chief Minister’s strategic decision to establish the Barak Valley Development Department as a pivotal step toward the region’s advancement. Minister Rai, as the first minister of the newly formed department, acknowledged the immense responsibility entrusted to him. He further informed that the department had commenced its operations, with former Hailakandi DC Adil Khan, appointed as its secretary, ensuring a robust administrative foundation for the department’s future endeavors.

This is stated in a press release issued from Regional office of Information & Public relations Barak valley Zone Silchar Assam.