Shillong, Oct 01: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the officials of Aspirational Districts across the country on Saturday as he launched a unique week-long programme ‘Sankalp Saptaah’ at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

Aspirational Blocks Programme aims to enhance the governance and improve the quality of life in 500 Aspirational Blocks spanning 329 districts across India.

Of these 500 blocks, one is Resubelpara Block in North Garo Hills. The team from Resubelpara was led by Junior Rural Development Officer, Mikehenchard Ch. Momin, who interacted with the PM through video conference.

As Modi talked about Meghalaya, its climate and the challenges faced by the officials in implementation of the rural development programmes, especially in constructing houses, because it rains so much in the state, he wanted to know about the unique ways in which the block is overcoming these challenges.

Momin agreed to PM Modi and replied that Meghalaya receives rain for 7-8 months a year. To get around this challenge, and to implement a scheme like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin, he said they estimate the number of houses to be constructed, then the beneficiaries are asked to procure the materials in advance and keep stock. Once the rains stop, the construction of houses begins immediately and a team is put in place to monitor this.

Approving of the model adopted by Resubelpara in particular, and Meghalaya in general, he said the present dispensation at the Centre has changed the way schemes are implemented, making them more suitable to local needs and liking. “The money should be given to the owner and it should be owner-driven construction,” he stressed.

To another query by Modi on cashew production in Garo Hills, Momin informed that the cashew nuts of Garo Hills are the tastiest in the county. He also informed that the Village Employment Council (VEC) under MGNREGS and Self Help Groups (SGH) are being encouraged to cultivate cashew.

However, Monin brought to the notice of the PM that the entire Garo Hills has only one processing unit. He asked PM Modi’s help to provide more processing units to the region to help with marketing. Another area he brought to the notice was of Khadi industry and sought PM’s help in marketing the products.

PM Modi intently listened to Momin’s requests and then went on talk about the rich musical heritage of the state. He remarked that music is in every household and corner of the state, he wondered if government schemes and programmes can be taken to more people through the use of music.

“(Meghalaya’s) Cashew is number 1, turmeric is number 1 of Meghalaya, and Meghalaya has music in every house. And I have seen people are very enthusiastic about music; but can Meghalaya use music to propagate the message of rural development,” he remarked.

To this, Momin informed the PM that their block has prepared a song titled ‘Umeed’ for PM Modi for inciting them to the programme. Umeed translates to hope. Although the song was in Garo language, PM Modi seemed visibly touched by the song and wished Momin and his team the best and to keep working vigorously towards rural development.