Shillong, May 2: The first-ever Gender Resource Centre (GRC) in the state was inaugurated at Patharkhmah village under Jirang block with an aim to provide essential services and support for women, girls, and marginalised communities in the region.
The centre is an initiative of the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society (MSRLS), through the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) under the Gender Intervention programme.
The GRC will serve as a dedicated space for women and children and marginalised groups to access information on their rights and entitlements through government schemes, and support in times of distress. It will offer referral services in areas such as legal support, healthcare, police services, One Stop Centre services, and providing temporary shelter for individuals in emergency situations.
In addition to the inauguration of the GRC, the event also marked the opening of the office of the Shrithai Shrup CLF Women Cooperative Society Ltd., which is the Nodal Cluster Level Federation (CLF) for the management and operation of the GRC.
The event also included distribution of certificates of appreciation to different achievers. Reusable sanitary pads, textbooks, and loan disbursements amounting to Rs.10 lakh through CIF fund to various SHGs were also given.
Line departments like Aadhaar registration, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary and Health participated by providing information and services to the attendees. The event also showcased various SHG products, emphasising the important role that SHGs play in the local economy.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal in the presence of Sub-Divisional Officer of Patharkhmah Chatanya Awasthi, Dr. PR Hajong, BDO of Jirang, officials from various line departments, State Mission Manager of MSRLS, Shillong Memorial Kharmalki, Shubham Charitable Trust president, sordars from various villages in the block, leaders of Cluster Level Federation, Village Organisations, SHG members, and others.
