Pranab Mukherjee inaugurates Social Development Projects

Kolkata, Mar 31 (UNI) External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said that the key to true social development is inclusive development that involves participation of the Central and state governments supplemented by the efforts of PSUs.

While speaking at a function organised in Murshidabad by SAIL, at which the company donated vital hospital equipment and a Mobile Medical Unit, Mr Mukherjee said, ''SAIL has done a remarkable job of providing educational, medical and social facilities to the masses of this country and deserves the title of Navratna.'' Yesterday, Mr Mukherjee inaugurated SAIL's Tube Well Project at Mondalsar village under Khargram Block of Murshidabad. The Project envisages erection of 80 hand pumps at Khargram Block and another 20 at Jangipur Block to alleviate the problem, of non-availability of potable water, faced by villagers. A total of 19 out of the 25 blocks of this district are hard pressed for safe potable water since most of the water sources are arsenic affected.

The total cost of the two Projects undertaken by SAIL is about Rs.

60 lakhs, an official release said.

''Although this may seem a small step when viewed in the context of the human development index of the country, it would turn out to be a significant one, since it reflects the company's will to fulfil their social obligation,'' Mr Mukherjee said.

MP Adhir Ranjan Choudhury, who was also present, called upon SAIL to further broaden its scope of social development activities in the region and urged them to set up an ICU at the Jangipur Sub-Divisional Hospital, the release added.

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