Shillong, Mar 4: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today launched the second phase of the FOCUS+ scheme in North Garo Hills at Mini Stadium, Resubelpara.
The programme was held in remembrance of the 10th death anniversary of former Lok Sabha Speaker, Purno A Sangma, and also marked eight years of the MDA government in the state.
The first phase of the Focus Scheme commenced in 2022, and under this new initiative, 2,000 additional beneficiaries have been registered in North Garo Hills.
FOCUS + aims to enhance rural livelihoods but also aligns with the Green Meghalaya initiative, which is geared toward promoting environmental sustainability through various programs, such as plantation drives and community-led afforestation.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister congratulated the beneficiaries and assured continued government support to further strengthen rural livelihoods and sustainable development initiatives in the State.
He paid homage to his late father, Purno, emphasizing his vision for the welfare and progress of Meghalaya. He stressed the importance of education in the state’s budget priorities, indicating that significant funding would be allocated to strengthen and uplift the education sector.
Minister of Tourism and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Timothy D. Shira, MLAs Marthon Sangma, Pongseng Marak and Rupert Momin along with other dignitaries attended the programme.
During the programme, beneficiaries of FOCUS+ and Green Meghalaya shared testimonies on the positive impact of the schemes. The Chief Minister distributed cheques to selected beneficiaries and assured that those who did not receive their cheques during the event would receive their funds in due course.
