With the aim of improving connectivity in the region and in order to provide residents of Umkiang with better access to essential services thus facilitating boosting of the local economy and making it easier for residents particularly farmers to transport their produce more efficiently, an Internal CC Road at Apha, Umkiang Village, East Jaintia Hills District, constructed under the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), Scheme, East Jaintia Hills District for the Financial Year 2025-26 was today inaugurated by Local MLA, Smti. Santa Mary Shylla in the presence of Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri Manish Kumar, IAS, Headman, Umkiang Village, Shri Lasting Pala, community members and others.
In her address, Chief Guest of the programme and Local MLA, Smti. Santa Mary Shylla stated that the newly inaugurated CC Road, constructed at a cost of 40 lakhs under DMF Scheme, is expected to ease connectivity in the area with its inauguration facilitating easier access to agricultural fields in particular. She also recalled that similar investments have been made earlier for boosting the health sector in the area through renovation works of Umkiang PHC which were undertaken under the DMF Scheme.
Smti. Shylla, while speaking on the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) of the Central Government, informed that matters pertaining to inclusion of Umkiang Village under the programme are being processed at different levels, with the village expected to receive approximately 3 crores of investment if selected under the programme.
Concluding her address, Smti. Shylla called for collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in the interest of overall progress and development in the area across varied sectors.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri Manish Kumar, IAS in his address stated that the newly constructed CC road in Umkiang Village is a significant milestone for improving connectivity in the area even as he stressed that improved road connectivity would play a vital role in ensuring uninterrupted access to essential services such as healthcare, education and livelihood opportunities. Shri Kumar further noted that East Jaintia Hills District has been receiving sizeable amount of funds from industrial and mining activities in the form of royalty which is being invested in rural development initiatives, particularly in the health, education and community development sectors while also urging community members to actively participate in various government schemes and development programmes to ensure inclusive growth and overall socio-economic development.
