Ampati, Nov 17: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday said the Government, through different interventions and programmes, is working to bring a turnaround in the lives of the people.
He made the remark while addressing a gathering comprising of beneficiaries of FOCUS plus, Progress, Yess Meghalaya and SHGs at Rangatari in South West Garo Hills.
“Our Govt has remained committed to the welfare of the farming communities and through Focus and other schemes we are trying to provide maximum support to them,” the Chief Minister said.
“Our farmers welfare programme has benefited 4.5 lakh people. In the previous govt there were no such programmes for the welfare of the farmers,” he added.
Informing that Focus and Focus plus are the biggest farmers welfare programme in the whole of Northeast, the Chief Minister said, “Cash benefit of Rs. 5000 to each individual in every household for next 10 years is our target and we are committed to ensure this.”
On misinformation being spread by a section that focus funds are loan, the Chief Minister said, “Focus funds were not loan but financial support to the farmers of the State.”
The Chief Minister told the gathering that Rs. 450 cr has been earmarked for implementation of Focus programme in the State.
He also informed that till date close to Rs. 200 cr has already been disbursed under Focus and Focus plus programme across the State.
Our schemes for the grassroots people is aimed at improving their livelihoods.
Through FOCUS & FOCUS+ we have released a total of ₹200 Crores to our farmers and we aim to continue this program for the next 10 years. @nstomar @AgriGoI pic.twitter.com/J4RaUeSXDY
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) November 17, 2022
“The success of the programme will depend on you,” he said while exhorting the beneficiaries to use the money judiciously for the needs of the group.
Terming Focus as an “unique programme” that is directly benefiting the farmers, the Chief Minister said that vested interest should not politicise this programme.
“This will bring a transformation and revolution in the lives of the people. This programme is to bring welfare and benefits to our people,” he stressed.