New Delhi, May 13 (HS): Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized on Tuesday that true empowerment involves guiding individuals towards self-sufficiency rather than simply providing gratuitous support. Speaking to self-help groups (SHGs) from Meghalaya’s Garo Hills, Khasi Hills, and Jaintia Hills in New Delhi, he described the northeastern region as a precious asset of India. He recalled the Government of India’s ‘Look East’ policy from the 1990s and noted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strategic enhancement of it into ‘Act East,’ which has been executed effectively. Highlighting Meghalaya’s potential as a tourist haven rich in natural beauty, Dhankhar pointed to opportunities in tourism, mining, IT, and the service sectors. He lauded the state’s progress in economic development and women’s empowerment, attributing these achievements to visionary leadership at both central and state levels.

Dhankhar praised the governance reforms initiated under Modi’s leadership over the past decade, noting that such leadership inspires officials to advance progress. He underlined Meghalaya’s remarkable 13% growth in Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), praising Chief Minister’s commitment to bolstering the economy, which now exceeds ₹66,000 crores. He commended the ambitious goal of achieving a $10 billion economy by 2028 and highlighted the potential inherent in the state’s human resources. He stressed the importance of nurturing these resources, particularly women, to ensure balanced social and economic development. Dhankhar expressed satisfaction with a tenfold increase in the revolving fund and participation numbers within the SHGs, indicating progress and optimism for Meghalaya’s future.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar