**Executive Summary**
On 27 May 2026, Union Minister of State Smt. Raksha Khadse conducted a district review visit to Williamnagar, East Garo Hills, Meghalaya, under the "Poorvottar Sampark Setu" initiative. The visit focused on assessing the progress of government programmes in sports infrastructure, fisheries, animal husbandry, and handicrafts. Key objectives included strengthening Centre-State coordination and ensuring that development outreach reaches the grassroots level to support inclusive growth and livelihood promotion.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Sports Infrastructure Development**
* Inspected the Artificial Football Turf at RGHSS Playground, Williamnagar, to evaluate facilities for nurturing local youth talent.
* Reviewed the construction progress of the Khelo India Multipurpose Indoor Hall at Tambo A’ding.
* Emphasized the Government's commitment to expanding quality sports infrastructure and strengthening grassroots ecosystems in the North East.
**Livelihood and Economic Initiatives**
* Reviewed fisheries and animal husbandry programmes to enhance rural economic development and sustainable livelihood generation.
* Focused on improving local capacities and productivity for communities dependent on these sectors.
* Visited handicraft facilities to promote indigenous craftsmanship and traditional products.
**Administrative and Institutional Coordination**
* Engaged with district officials, including the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, to understand regional priorities.
* Utilized the "Poorvottar Sampark Setu" framework to deepen developmental outreach and institutional coordination between the Centre and the State.
* Highlighting the importance of strengthening market linkages for local artisans and self-help groups (SHGs).
**Impact Analysis**
**District Administration (East Garo Hills)**
**Impact:** Receives direct Union-level oversight and coordination, ensuring local priorities are aligned with Central developmental goals.
**Action Required:** Continue briefing Union Ministers on project status and ensure the timely completion of infrastructure projects like the Khelo India Indoor Hall.
**Local Athletes and Youth**
**Impact:** Gains access to improved sports facilities and structured support for talent development.
**Action Required:** Utilize the newly created and upgraded infrastructure to participate in sports and grassroots training programmes.
**Artisans and Self-Help Groups (SHGs)**
**Impact:** Increased visibility for traditional handicrafts and potential for improved market access.
**Action Required:** Focus on preserving indigenous craftsmanship and engaging with government initiatives to strengthen market linkages.
**Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Practitioners**
**Impact:** Benefits from targeted discussions on improving productivity and creating economic opportunities.
**Action Required:** Implement sustainable practices to enhance local production and benefit from rural development initiatives.
Key Entities Referenced
Poorvottar Sampark Setu: An initiative by MDoNER to facilitate periodic visits by Union Ministers to the North Eastern Region to assess development programmes and strengthen Centre-State coordination.
Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER): The primary ministry responsible for planning, executing, and monitoring development schemes and outreach initiatives in India's North Eastern States.
East Garo Hills, Meghalaya: The specific district and state where the Union Minister conducted reviews of sports infrastructure, fisheries, and animal husbandry initiatives.
Raksha Khadse: Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports who undertook the district review visit to assess local development priorities.
Khelo India: A national sports development program under which infrastructure projects, such as the Multipurpose Indoor Hall at Tambo A’ding, are being implemented.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Raksha Khadse Undertakes District Review in
East Garo Hills; Says “Poorvottar Sampark Setu
is Strengthening Centre’s Engagement with North
East”
Minister of State visits sports facilities in Williamnagar;
reviews fisheries & animal husbandry initiatives, handicrafts
and district development priorities
Posted On: 27 MAY 2026 2:08PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse, today undertook a district
review visit to Williamnagar in Meghalaya’s East Garo Hills district under the Poorvottar Sampark Setu
initiative of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER). Conceived by MDoNER
to strengthen Centre-State coordination and deepen developmental outreach in the North Eastern Region,
the initiative facilitates periodic visits of Union Ministers to assess implementation of government
programmes, review local priorities on the ground, and engage closely with district administrations and
communities. Through such efforts, the Ministry continues to support inclusive development,
infrastructure creation, livelihood promotion and stronger institutional coordination across the North East.
During the visit, the Minister inspected sports facilities in the district and reviewed ongoing efforts to
strengthen grassroots sporting infrastructure. She visited the Artificial Football Turf at RGHSS
Playground, Williamnagar, and assessed facilities aimed at promoting sports participation and nurturing
young talent in the region. The Minister also reviewed progress at the Khelo India Multipurpose Indoor
Hall at Tambo A’ding, currently under construction, underscoring the Government’s commitment to
expanding quality sports infrastructure in the North East.Smt. Khadse further reviewed initiatives related to fisheries and animal husbandry, emphasizing the
importance of sustainable livelihood generation and rural economic development in the region.
Discussions focused on strengthening local capacities, improving productivity, and creating greater
economic opportunities for communities dependent on these sectors.
Speaking during the visit, Smt. Raksha Khadse said, “The North Eastern Region occupies a central place
in the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for inclusive and balanced development. Through
initiatives such as Poorvottar Sampark Setu, we are ensuring closer engagement with local communities
and district administrations to better understand regional priorities. I am encouraged to see the progress
being made in strengthening sports infrastructure, promoting sustainable livelihoods through fisheries and
animal husbandry, and preserving the rich handicraft traditions of East Garo Hills. The Government
remains committed to ensuring that development reaches the grassroots and creates meaningful
opportunities for youth and local communities.”
The Minister also visited facilities showcasing local handicraft materials and traditional products,
appreciating the rich cultural heritage and artisanal skills of the people of East Garo Hills. She highlighted
the need to promote indigenous craftsmanship and strengthen market linkages to support local artisans and
self-help groups.
During the visit, Smt. Khadse was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner of East Garo Hills, Shri R. P.
Marak, IAS, and Superintendent of Police, Shri Pawar Swapnil Vasantrao, IPS, along with senior district
officials, who briefed her on ongoing developmental initiatives and district priorities.The visit reflects the Government of India’s continued commitment to strengthening sports ecosystems,
promoting rural livelihoods, and supporting local enterprise development across the North Eastern Region.
It also underscores the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region’s sustained efforts to promote
coordinated development and closer engagement between the Centre and the North Eastern States through
initiatives such as Poorvottar Sampark Setu.
*****
Ayushman Kumar
(Release ID: 2265777) Visitor Counter : 854
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