Shillong, Dec 3: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Saturday distributed cheques under the government’s various flagship programs to beneficiaries at a function held at Umlyngka Grounds, Laimer, Mylliem.

Also present during the function was Minister, Community & Rural Development etc Hamletson Dohling.

Expressing happiness to initiate various flagship programs in one mega function, the Chief Minister said, “These programs reflect the commitment of the government to keep the interest of the State and its people as the top priority and to make Meghalaya one among the top ten states in the country.” He informed that there are over 4.5 lakh families in the State whose livelihood are connected to the farming sector and hence the FOCUS and FOCUS+ programs are initiatives of the government to help and support the farmers to augment, expand and sustain the farming activities.

The Chief Minister also informed that the government intends to make the flagship programs an annual feature. “The government will be infusing Rs. 400 crores into the rural economy every year and we urge the beneficiaries to use the money in a productive manner,” he added.

The Chief Minister also informed that the YESS Meghalaya program is a similar program designed for the youth to carry out several youth related programs. “We have to channelize the energy of the youth in the right direction and support them in their passion for Sports or Music and allow them to do good and positive things in life,” he added.

Highlighting the PESS program, the Chief Minister said that it is an initiative to promote Grassroots Level Response towards Ecosystem Enhancement and Nurturing or GREEN Meghalaya. “Ninety per cent of the forests in the State are community owned and now we are giving you the money to protect our forests,” he said.

He also gave an insight into the PROGRESS program that is created to increase self sufficiency and also create livelihood opportunities in Poultry and Piggery.

The Chief Minister later distributed cheques, sanction letters and FOCUS+ Identity Cards to the beneficiaries.

In the midst of thousands of people from far and wide of Mylliem Constituency & together with Hon’ble Minister & MLA of the constituency, Sh. @HamDohling, financial benefits under FOCUS+ were handed over to 458 producers amounting to 22.90 Lakhs. @nstomar @AgriGoI pic.twitter.com/jR9VklQ9ya

— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) December 3, 2022