All 46 Community & Rural Development blocks in the State will get a facelift with new infrastructure that will commence next year, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced today.
“We have sanctioned Rs. 3 crore each for every block office in the State and the construction to upgrade the blocks will start next year in order to ensure that the rural blocks function in a more effective manner,” Sangma said.
Addressing a SHG mela at Rapleng village under Mawkynrew block in East Khasi Hills district, the Chief Minister underlined the various infrastructural developments taken by his government.
He stated that his government has accorded priority to upscale infrastructure development and in the last three years huge investment has been made to boost road communication across the State.
“I am not saying that we have resolved every single issue or we have repaired every road in the State but this Government is determined to ensure that the momentum of development continues and benefits a large section of the society and the region as a whole,” he said.
He also informed that the government has made investment to upscale infrastructure in elementary schools as well as have made investment to ramp up health facilities in the State.
“This government has sanctioned 100 crore for renovation of police infrastructures across the State and 350 crore for upscaling health infrastructure. Most of the renovation works have started and some more will start soon,” he added.
He said that the State government is committed to create a turnaround in the socio-economic condition of the rural population with an inclusive programme that promotes Self Help Group Movement (SHGs) and Farmers Collectives across the State.
“Our Government understands the importance of SHGs and how it can provide direct benefit to our women organisations. Through the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), we have been able to provide financial aid and support to thousands of SHGs in the last three years,” he said.
The chief minister accorded recognition to the NRLM team and said it has been working tirelessly with a sense of purpose to serve the people. “Today our SHGs are empowered and they are financially stable to expand their income generating activities. We are supporting the groups through different welfare programmes under the mandate of NRLM.”
During the mela, the Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister, Banteidor Lyngdoh handed over appreciation certificates and cash reward to villages, for their innovative and successful enterprises, which has brought laurel to the villages under Mawkynrew block.
The dignitaries also handed over financial support to 70 Farmers Producers’ Group, formed under State Government’s flagship programme – FOCUS (Farmers Collectivisation for Upscaling and Marketing System).
It may be mentioned that under the farmers’ welfare program- FOCUS, the Chief Minister distributed cheques amounting to Rs 48.55 lakhs to 70 Farmer Producer Groups impacting 971 households. Community Investment Funds (CIF) amounting to Rs 22.80 Lakhs sanctioned to eight Village Organizations benefitting 42 SHGs and covering 420 households and Rs 27 lakhs sanctioned as bank loan to 19 SHGs.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also launched the Market Outlet at Laitdiengsai under Mawkynrew C&RD Block, a project implemented in convergence with MGNREGS, NRLM & MBMA. The outlet will showcase the traditional indigenous products of the SHGs.
