Chef Minister Conrad Sangma today informed that the government has allocated 120 crores for creating infrastructure in all the 46 Community and Rural Development Blocks of the State.
He was speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Rerapara C&RD Block in South West Garo Hills. The chief minister said that tenders will be floated in March-April.
The Chief Minister also added that the demands for creation of new blocks and civil subdivisions will be reviewed and examined.
Specifically on the Rerapara block, the chief minister informed that 2 crores 25 lakhs has been sanctioned for the new block building and construction work would start soon.
He urged the BDO and the contractor to ensure that the building is completed within the time frame for the larger interest, convenience and benefit of the people of the area.
An SHG Mela was also inaugurated by the chief minister wherein he highlighted on creation of livelihood opportunities for the womenfolk, farmers and the youth. He mentioned about the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).
“Many SHGs have been formed in different blocks of the State and these SHGs have been assisted financially through Start-Up Funds, Revolving Fund, Community Management Fund and through bank loans,” he said.
The Chief Minister also informed the gathering that 40,000 SHGs with membership strength of close to 4 lakh members have been assisted financially amounting to 220 crores throughout the State.
During the programme, 12 village organisations under Rerapara C&RD block were given financial assistance amounting to Rs. 1.30 crore and an amount of 50 lakh through Meghalaya Rural bank loan, which is interest free.
He urged the SHGs to fulfill the needs of the group and the community through the assistance.
He also highlighted the salient features and the welfare schemes of the FOCUS programme and also apprised the gathering at length of the different missions of the State like the Piggery Mission, Diary Mission, Poultry Mission, Aquaculture Mission etc and urged the community to reap the benefits of these missions though the co-operative societies.
