Ampati (Meghalaya ), Feb 24 : Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, today distributed cheques to producer groups of South West Garo Hills at Salmanpara Multi Facility Centre. The programme was also attended by MDC, Boldamgre, Stevie Marak, MDC, Nogorpara, Linekar K Sangma and officials from the district.
Speaking to the gathering comprising of producer groups, farmers and the general public, Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma while highlighting the salient features, and objectives of the FOCUS programme informed the gathering that the financial support that is being given is an assistance and not a loan.
“Similarly there are number of programs which we have initiated under a mission mode for which the government has allocated 700 crores to create livelihood opportunities for our women, farmers and youth,” he said.
He also said that the people can also seek assistance for their farming activities through the Integrated Village Cooperative Societies. While urging the people to use the financial assistance for the welfare of the group to increase production, increase the income and to improve farming activities he also asked the people to take interest in the different livelihood schemes and programs of the government.
Informing that 32 producer groups with 424 members would be given cheques amounting to Rs 21,10,000 during the programme he also urged the members of the groups to work as a team with cooperation and understanding among themselves.
He later interacted with the farmers and producer groups and addressed their queries.
Under the Zikzak Block, South West Garo Hills, cheques worth Rs 27.80 lakhs were distributed to 42 producer groups. the FOCUS programme which is being implemented in a mission mode has not only been able to help famers earn the highest income in the country but has also helped them to upscale their farming activities and livelihoods.
During his day long visit to South west Garo Hills, the Chief Minister also inspected various ongoing developmental projects in the district. He inspected the Bandalkona Combined Water Supply Scheme under Jal Jeevan Mission under the Betaking Block. The Water Supply Scheme has provided 100% Fixed Household Tap Connection (FHTC) to Bandalkona and works are ongoing to achieve 100 % FHTC for another three villages under it covering a total of 302 households by April 2022.
The Chief Minister also inspected the Garobadha-Ampati-Samati road. The road is in an advanced stage of completion.
