Shillong, Jun 20: Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, inaugurated the Jowai–Nartiang–Kdiap–Khanduli (JNKK) road during a program held at Wahiajer Football Stadium in West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya.
The project, constructed at an estimated cost of over ₹59 crore and funded by the New Development Bank, aims to enhance connectivity across the region and is expected to improve access to markets and essential services, potentially transforming the livelihood opportunities for the local communities.
Speaking on the occasion, Sitharaman highlighted that quality infrastructure is vital for accelerating development, ensuring that growth benefits reach all parts of the country, including remote areas.
During her visit, Sitharaman also interacted with students from Kiang Nangbah Government College, discussing various topics related to youth, education, and technology. She emphasised the importance of critical thinking, responsible use of digital tools, and continuous learning for today’s youth, urging them to seize the vast opportunities available in the digital age. Acknowledging the challenges posed by overwhelming information flow, she advised students to approach their learning with curiosity and discernment.
Later, the Finance Minister interacted with school children and sports persons at the Wahiajer Football Stadium. Encouraging optimum utilisation of the infrastructure, she said that such investments should serve as centres of community engagement, talent development and sporting excellence.
Sitharaman also visited the Maa Jayantee Temple, the Nartiang Monoliths at Nartiang and Larnai, a village renowned for its centuries-old, GI-tagged black clay pottery tradition known as Khiew Ranei.
