Jowai, Nov 22: The District Mission Management Unit, West Jaintia hills in collaboration with the office of Block Development Officer, Amlarem C&RD Block organised a Self-Help Group Mela (SHG) cum Health Camp for SHG members of Amalarem C&RD Block at Enowel Hall Playground, Amlarem on Monday.The Programme is part of Meghalaya’s attainment of 50 years of Statehood to be celebrated on 21st January, 2022.

The SHG Mela was inaugurated by Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui. The Minister while inaugurating the Mela said through this program the Government aims to empower women to be self-reliant and to enhance their confidence. He also encouraged the members to form more SHG groups in order to uplift the life of women in the village.

He informed that the government through the FOCUS program is helping farmers to upscale their productivity.

He spoke about the development in Meghalaya in its 50 years of statehood, particularly under the Amlarem Sub-Division. He highlighted the achievement of the Government in various sectors that includes the health services, road connectivity and education.

He stated that before Meghalaya attained its statehood there was only one dispensary at Nongtalang which is now upgraded to Community Health Centres (CHC) and in these 50 years many health centres have been set up under the Sub-Division: 3 PHCs – one at Dawki, Jarain, Pdengshakap, one dispensary at Padu and sub-centres almost everywhere.

He also informed that almost all the villages under the sub-division are connected except for Kamsing and Kongwang villages.Also, 2 Government Higher Secondary Schools, 2 Upper Primary Schools are being upgraded to RMSA at Trangblang, Skhenpyrsit. Nongtalang College is fully recognised by UGC and accredited with Grade B by NAAC which is one of the first in West Jaintia Hills District to be sanctioned fully by the Government from 1st September, 2021.

Further, he emphasised on the need to get vaccinated and urged pregnant mothers to go for regular health check-ups. He also stressed on cleanliness.

Earlier, Block Development Officer of Amlarem C&RD Block, Dr. D. Lyngdoh, in his welcome address informed that there are 460 SHG under Amlarem Sub- Division.

Certificates were also awarded to Best Performing Cadres, Village with 100 percent SHG Saturation and to SHGs/VOs with 90-100 percent vaccination.