Cooch Behar, Aug. 25 -- A major infrastructure development initiative has been undertaken to transform 606 villages across Cooch Behar district into model villages under the Centre's Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) Gram (Adarsh Gram) project.
A large number of Rajbanshi residents in the district belong to the Scheduled Caste community. The project will cover villages where more than 50 per cent of the population belongs to Scheduled Castes. A comprehensive survey has already begun to assess the existing infrastructure and identify areas requiring development.
According to the district administration, Rs 20 lakh will be allocated for the development of each identified village, taking the total proposed allocation for the district to around Rs.100 crore.
Cooch Behar Additional District Magistrate Pritam Ling said, "Work has started by identifying 606 villages for the ideal village project in Cooch Behar district."
According to the District Magistrate's Office, the ongoing survey is assessing various aspects of village infrastructure, including roads, drinking water, electricity, education and healthcare facilities. Based on the findings, development plans will be prepared and implemented through the district administration.
Apart from basic infrastructure, the project also aims to improve livelihood opportunities for families through skill development and vocational training. Steps may also be taken to improve educational opportunities for Scheduled Caste students in the selected villages.
The administration has set a target of completing the initial survey work by the end of this month. Officials said the deadline could be extended if required to ensure that all aspects of the assessment are completed.
With Rajbanshi communities constituting a significant portion of Cooch Behar's population, the initiative is expected to have a substantial impact on rural infrastructure and basic services across the district.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.