Chief Minister Conrad Sangma today said that misinformation is being spread by some sections that Focus funds are loans.
“Focus funds were not loans but financial support to the farmers of the State,” Sangma made the remark while addressing a gathering of beneficiaries of Focus Plus, Progress, Yess Meghalaya and SHGs at Rangatari in South West Garo Hills.
Sangma was apparently referring to the recent comments by State BJP chief Ernest Mawrie that Focus money given to farmers are loans which will entangle them later.
Terming Focus as a “unique programme” that is directly benefiting the farmers, the Chief Minister said that vested interest should not politicise this programme.
He also said that Rs 450 crore has been earmarked for implementation of Focus programme in the State and till date close to Rs 150 crore has already been disbursed under Focus and Focus Plus across the State.
“The government through different interventions and programmes is working to bring a turnaround in the lives of the people. Our government has remained committed to the welfare of the farming communities and through FOCUS and other schemes we are trying to provide maximum support to them,” Sangma said.
He added, “Our farmers’ welfare programme has benefited 4.5 lakh people. In the previous government there were no such programmes for the welfare of the farmers.”
Informing that Focus and Focus Plus are the biggest farmers welfare programme in the whole of North East, Sangma said, “Cash benefit of Rs 5000 to each individual in every household for next ten years is our target and we are committed to ensure this.”
