Shillong , July 12: Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made history on Saturday by becoming the first Union Minister to visit Sohbar, a border village in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills.
Her visit marked the Centre’s renewed push to boost development in border areas through the expanded Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP).
Addressing villagers, students and local officials, Sitharaman said, “Border villages like Sohbar are the first face of India, not the last. They deserve priority development.”
She announced that Sohbar will be included in Phase-II of the VVP, with a focus on improving road connectivity, electricity, telecom and digital access, and television coverage. She also assured that essential services such as banking within a 5-km radius, education, and primary health care will be made available to every household.
“With more than 1,600 residents here, we want to ensure no one is left behind,” she said.
Sitharaman also praised the Meghalaya Government’s efforts to promote Sohbar as a tourism hub, supported by the New Development Bank. “Tourism will bring visitors, jobs, and economic growth,” she said.
Interacting with youth and students, she stressed the power of digital tools in promoting local crafts and entrepreneurship. “Your village can be a place of opportunity. Even artisans from Sohbar can reach international markets with the right support,” she added.
Expressing surprise that no Union Minister had ever visited Sohbar before, Sitharaman called the village a “rain sanctuary and a vibrant community,” and encouraged residents to stay connected with the government to ensure their needs are addressed.
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