Shillong, May 24: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Monday slammed leader of Thma U Rangli-Juki (TUR) Angela Rangad for making false allegations concerning financial assistance to the daily wage labourers.

Tynsong said that he felt the need to clarify since people may get carried away and people needed to know that the government has been working very hard.

According to Tynsong the government during the first wave had provided financial assistance of Rs 2,100 to poor people who lost their livelihood during lockdown. He informed that they had received a total of 2,33,194 applications last year. The government had then entrusted NIC to screen the applications in case there was any duplicity. The government had also put a criteria who could apply for this assistance.

Tynsong stated that those working as casual labourers in different departments were not entitled to this financial assistance. Those covered under PMKISAN, Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (BOCWWB) or those having a job card holder, those under MGNREGA, were excluded from financial assistance.

Tynsong informed that a total of 1,81,491 were found to be qualified and eligible for this assistance provided by govt. The people who have received the assistance so far is 1,45,161, the remaining balance of applicants was 36,330 which is being transferred till today.

Tynsong said, “The statement made by Kong Angela Rangad is unfounded and not acceptable, especially from such a stature was unexpected. The government accepts criticism but it should be constructive. We are here to accept submission and suggestions made by citizens and govt is open 24/7 for such submissions and suggestions.”