For the first time in the history of Meghalaya, the state government through the Block Development Officer of Umsning accorded special gifts presented to over 50 village organisations by constructing well-made offices sanctioned through the convergence of the MGNREGS and NRLM schemes.
The offices sanctioned for the 50 village organisations were officially launched by the Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi on the anniversary of the 50th year of Meghalaya statehood. The occasion was witnessed by the district Superintendent of Police Giri Prasad, 6th Battalion Commandant Lakador Syiem, the BDO of Umsning Raja Brahma and others.
Speaking to the media, Brahma said that one of the reasons behind the initiative was to empower women to become involved in social activities in their villages. Therefore, before sanctioning the project, a brief meeting was held between the BDO, self-help groups and village employment councils and, after proper screening, the list of deserving organisations was finalised.
Brahma also informed that most of the office construction has been completed and they are ready to be handed over. He added that there are over 110 such village organisations in the Umsning block, of which 50 were identified to be recipients in the first phase of the project.