Williamnagar, March 5: Marking eight years of the MDA government in Meghalaya, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday distributed financial assistance worth Rs 2.84 crore to beneficiaries from three C&RD blocks of East Garo Hills under the FOCUS+ and Green Meghalaya programmes.
The cheques were distributed to beneficiaries from Samanda, Songsak and Dambo-Rongjeng blocks during a programme held at the Williamnagar Police Parade Ground in the presence of Soil and Water Conservation, PHE and Housing Minister Marcuise N. Marak, Meghalaya State Planning Board Co-Chairman Nihim D Shira, Deputy Commissioner R.P. Marak, Superintendent of Police Stephen A. Rynjah, along with government officials, public leaders and Nokmas.
Addressing the gathering, Sangma said the state has witnessed significant infrastructure and economic growth over the past eight years with strong support from the people and the Central government led by Narendra Modi.
He added that Meghalaya currently ranks second in economic growth after Tamil Nadu.
The chief minister said the government is exploring various avenues to ensure sustainable and inclusive development, while stressing the importance of community participation in achieving the state’s development goals.
He also informed that the government has spent over Rs 150 crore under the FOCUS programme in the last five years and announced that the registration period for FOCUS+ will be extended for another two years to allow more farmers to benefit.
Speaking on the occasion, Marcuise N. Marak said that under the state’s development roadmap “Our Magnificent Meghalaya – Vision 2032,” the government aims to transform Meghalaya into one of the country’s leading states with a $16-billion economy by 2032.
He also announced that a Horticulture-Agriculture College will soon be established at Dawagre locality in Williamnagar, with funds already earmarked in the recently concluded state budget session. The minister further said the state cabinet has decided to provide government jobs to sportspersons who bring laurels to Meghalaya.
Deputy Commissioner R.P. Marak, in his welcome address, highlighted the impact of the FOCUS+ scheme, stating that over 900 beneficiaries in East Garo Hills will receive the second instalment, while 150 villages in the district have been covered under the Green Meghalaya programme for Payment for Ecosystem Services
(PES).
Also Read: Meghalaya to honour P. A. Sangma with museum, book and documentary film
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