NGP held at Rengsangre

SHILLONG, APR 25: Along with the rest of the nation, the National Gram Panchayati Raj Day was observed at Rengsangre School Playground, near Asanang which was organised by the Rongram Community and Rural Development Block, Rongram under West Garo Hills district on Tuesday. It may be mentioned that the day is observed to mark the passing of the Constitution (73^rd Amendment) Act, 1992 that came into force with effect from 24 April 1993.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills District, Ram Singh highlighted about the intensive campaign being held by the Government of India such as Ujjwala Yojana, Ghar Ghar Me Bijli, Jan Dan Yojana, etc in order to upscale the living conditions of the people of the nation in general and region in particular. He also spoke about the government’s initiative to make every adult citizen open an account and avail the advantages of the Direct Transfer Benefit.

Being an avid lover of nature and with spirit of adventure, the Deputy Commissioner trekked to the nearby villages and ranges of Rengsangre area and found that people had extended jhuming cultivation even upto the reserved forest and catchment areas and have also planted arecanut plantations extensively in the area. Highlighting about the drastic consequences of felling trees especially in jhuming areas, he advised the people to grow more indigenous trees and regulate arecanut as well as other commercial plantations especially in the catchment areas and streams in order to increase the forest cover and preserve the ecosystem thereby help to revive the dying springs and water sources in the area.

Further in view of the garbage being thrown carelessly everywhere including picnic spots in and around the area, Ram Singh has directed the self help groups to look after their respective areas to keep the place clean and also to inform the picnickers not to litter the place.

During the day long programme, Assistant Director, Department of Agriculture, Probat Sangma informed the gathering about different schemes available in the department comprising of organic manure scheme which is an 18-Day Compost pit,  Kishan Credit Card, subsidy for water pumps and power tiller, etc.

Meanwhile, Assistant Director, Horticulture Tasri Momin dwelt at length about different schemes being provided to the people under horticulture department including banana, orange plantations, growing of vegetables, floriculture, strawberry amongst others. She also informed that now it is mandatory for the farmers to register their names online by submitting necessary documents for availing various assistance and schemes from the government.

The Medical Health Officer, Asanang Public Health Centre, Dr. T R Marak informed the gathering about the Megha Health Insurance Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Matriva Bhumi Yojana, JSY, Special Intensified Mission Indradhanush for full immunisation of children.

In the meantime, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer, Rongram C & RD Block, Dr. J R Marak requested the people to give vaccination and deworming to animals being reared by them and also to avail animal identification mark and health card for easy identification and wellbeing of reared animals.

During the interactive session, Nokma of Rengsangre, Nekson Sangma addressed to the Deputy Commissioner about the scarcity of water in the area inspite of the stream flowing through the village while the Nokma of Asanang, Rosalin Marak highlighted about the problem of water and electricity faced by the people in the area.

By Our Reporter