Chandigarh, January 10: Union Minister of Power, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Mr. Manohar Lal, today met with the residents of Kohand village in Karnal district to assess the availability of basic facilities. He said that, as part of an ongoing initiative, the government would prioritize expanding basic amenities in villages with populations exceeding 10,000 in the Karnal Lok Sabha constituency.
The Union Minister held the meeting at the Gharaunda PWD Rest House today, where he was welcomed by Vidhan Sabha Speaker Mr. Harvinder Kalyan, who presented him with a bouquet of flowers, and the villagers, who draped a shawl on him as a mark of respect.
During the meeting, Mr. Manohar Lal inquired about the conditions of local infrastructure, including schools, street lighting, roads (firnis), Gram Sachivalayas, ponds, crematoriums, parks, and gymnasiums. He emphasized that the expansion of basic facilities would begin in villages with populations above 10,000. In the second phase, attention would shift to villages with populations between 8,000 and 10,000, followed by those with populations between 5,000 and 8,000.
The Minister highlighted the importance of community involvement in the development process, urging the formation of committees comprising 10-12 local residents to monitor the progress of these initiatives. He added that the success of these programs was a testament to the system’s transformation, noting that, in the past decade, youth have been securing jobs based on merit, without resorting to bribes or undue expenditures.
Mr. Manohar Lal further said that substantial development had been achieved in the state over the past 10 years through revolutionary changes, but emphasized that the work was far from complete. The pace of development would continue in the future. He also pointed out that, unlike in the past when only 15 percent of the funds allocated for development were spent, now 100 percent of these funds are being utilized efficiently. He stressed that government funds should never be used for personal gain.
Vidhan Sabha Speaker Mr. Harvinder Kalyan also praised the Union Minister, stating that since his appointment, Mr. Manohar Lal has visited 22 states, gaining comprehensive knowledge on various subjects. As the former Chief Minister of Haryana, Mr. Lal had implemented numerous ground-level initiatives that have significantly benefited the people. Mr. Kalyan emphasized that the Union Minister remains dedicated to improving the living standards of the poor.
