Shillong (Meghalaya), July 12 : The State Rural Employment Society (SRES) along with the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills today organised a State Level programme where Chief Minister launched the “MGNREGA in Census Towns of Meghalaya”.
The central flagship programme which has been a boon to the people of the State, so far, is effective only in the “rural areas” or villages. This programme is now extended to Census Towns.
Speaking during the occasion, CMConrad Sangma expressed happiness and thanked the Government of India for accepting the strong case made by the State Government for extending the MGNREGA to the identified census towns which have requested for inclusion.
This measure would now benefit at least another one lakh people living in census towns of the State. He appreciated the exceptional role of the VECs and the community and in over the last four years, the expenditure under the programme increased from around Rs. 600 crores to Rs. 1600 crores annually.
Besides the MGNREGA, the State Government has laid strong focus on forming women SHGs which have increased from 4000 in 2017-18 to 41,000 in the current year. Over Rs 380 Crores of funds are being managed by these SHGs and thereby unleashing women’s economic movement in all the villages.
The Chief Minister thanked the community for their support and active participation in several initiatives being taken by the Government and specially during the pandemic. Other initiatives supported by the community include the beautification of locality, cleaning of rivers and streams and many others. While JJM is still not effective in Census Towns, he informed the gathering that a proposal was sent to the Government of India which is likely to be approved.
With the coverage of the programme, he urged the community to extend similar support and to implement the programme wholeheartedly.
Hamletson Dohling, Minister C&RD who attended the programme as the Guest of Honour spoke about the efforts made by the SRES, the C&RD Department and how the collective effort led to the inclusion of Census Towns under MGNREGA. He appreciated the efforts made by the Chief Minister and also urged all the 29 localities which falls under Mawlai, Sohra, Nongmensong and Madanrting Census Towns to make effective use of the programmes once initiated.
The programme was also attended by Pyniaid Singh Syiem, MLA of Mawryngkneng, P.T. Sawkmie, MLA of Mawlai, Balajied Kupar Synrem, MLA of Shella, Gavin Miguel Mylliemngap, MLA of Sohra, Titostarwel Chyne, CEM, KHADC, Teiborlang Pathaw, MDC Mawlai, the Principal Secretary C&RD, the Mission Director, SRES, the DC East Khasi Hills and other officials of the Department, SRES, DC office East Khasi Hills and Mylliem, Mawlai and Shella Bholaganj C&RD Blocks.
