Shillong(Meghalaya), July 15: Madanrting became the first census town in Meghalaya to receive the benefits of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). To mark the occasion Lambor Malngiang, MLA/MDC, Nongkrem Constituency unveiled the foundation stone in a function held today at Madanrting.
The programme was organized by the Dorbar Shnong Madanrting.
In his address, Malngiang informed the gathering that the fruition of the scheme came after relentless pursuit for its implementation both at the state and central level. Adding that the scheme which aims to enhance livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year will go a long way in securing the future of the people of the area.
Besides providing economic security and creating rural assets, the scheme will enable families to save money as they will be able to work closer to their homes, he stated. Informing that the convergence of schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Swachh Bharat Mission, beneficiaries will now receive aid for affordable housing, access to clean drinking water and construction of toilets.
Stressing on the support that the schemes provides for women and also for the creation of self-help groups, Malngiang urged the people of the area to come forward and avail the benefits of the MGNREGS which will go a long way in changing the landscape of Madanrting, he asserted.
Smti. I Laloo, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills in her brief address informed that 29 census towns in the East Khasi Hills District will be included under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). Terming the occasion as a landmark achievement, she said that MNREGA is a community owned scheme and the success of the scheme largely depends on people’s participation.
Informing that there are around 260 types of work that can be done under the scheme, she reiterated on the importance of people using the scheme to find solutions to address problems caused due to urban growth. She expressed hope that MNREGA will evoke a Self Help Group movement in the area which will go a long way in the economic empowerment of women.
Others who spoke were Latiplang Kharkongor, MDC, Nongthymmai Constituency and P. T. Passah, BDO Mylliem C&RD Block.
