SHILLONG, JULY 14: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday visited Khatarshnong Laitkroh C&RD Block to inspect the remarkable progress achieved through various development initiatives and empowerment programmes.
The visit highlighted the government’s commitment to uplift the region and empower its residents through socio-economic growth.
The Chief Minister’s visit was focused on the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) work sites at Laitmawsiang and Laitsohpliah.
He engaged in interactive sessions with the Job Cards holders, Self Help Groups (SHGs), and Village Organizations (VOs) present at both the sites, displaying a genuine interest in their welfare and progress.
The discussions emphasised the importance of the MGNREGA scheme and the positive impact they have had on the community, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and the welfare of the local residents.
Sangma elaborated on the Government of Meghalaya’s vision for the Laitryngew village, saying, “Our focus lies in transformative infrastructure projects and initiatives that will elevate your quality of life. This includes the establishment of a children’s park and an open gym at the Garden of Cave Park, to encourage a healthy community. Additionally, we are committed to empowering Village Organisations (VOs) by equipping them with machines and equipment to produce souvenir products and venture into tourism, paving the way for economic growth. Notably, we have granted approval for the construction of boats, parking areas, toilets, and footpaths within the park, ensuring enhanced convenience for the community. Drawing inspiration from the successful model at Umiam Viewpoint, our goal is to revitalize the shops at Tynam Masi Viewpoint, creating an enticing environment for visitors. We will also actively promote the region’s diverse culinary heritage, enriching the overall tourism experience with a tantalizing array of local delicacies.”
Addressing the locals and the members of Self-Help Groups at Laitsohpliah, Sangma further noted, “In the first 45 years of our state’s existence, 5,000 women’s self-help groups were established with funding of 30-35 crores provided to these entities. However, in the last 5 years, under the National People’s Party led MDA government’s tenure, we have witnessed an impressive surge, with the creation of approximately 45,000 additional self-help groups and an allocation and delivery of 500 crores to support these self-help groups, proving the commitment of the government towards empowering women and promoting entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the government has taken a note of the citizens’ request to resolve the water crises in the area, and under the Sohra Water Supply scheme, investments worth 48 crores has been sanctioned so that reforms in the water supply project can begin shortly. I am elated to support the initiative to develop indigenous products, a processing unit, and a restaurant in the area. I wish you all the best and assure you that we stand ready to provide the assistance needed for the success of these projects.”
The National Rural Livelihood Mission has successfully established 44,067 Self Help Groups (SHGs), benefiting 427,195 households.
Additionally, 4,607 Village Organizations (VOs) have been promoted, and 39,571 SHGs have received funding totalling 171.56 crores. The VOs have also been granted funding amounting to 192.34 crores.
Through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), a total of 35,16,373 person-days of employment have been generated, benefiting 1,78,354 households, leading to a wage expenditure of 129.24 Crores.
By Our Reporter
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