By Our Reporter
Shillong: The government’s lack of conducting awareness campaigns on the various centrally-sponsored schemes has left many people in the dark especially those living in the rural areas of the State.
This fact came to light after residents of Khliehriat Subdivision in Jaintia Hills participated in a special interactive programme conducted in the area on the National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) which was launched by the Central government sixteen years back on August 15, 1995.
NFBS is implemented by the Central government through the Ministry of Rural Development, to assist the families living under Below the Poverty Line (BPL). Financial assistance at Rs 10,000 is given to the family on the death of the breadwinner in the family.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the special interactive programme conducted by the Field Publicity Office, Jowai in collaboration with the Sub-Divisional Public Relation Office, Khliehriat at St Peter’s Upper Primary School, Khliehriat, on Friday, Rangbah Shnong of Khliehriat Evarist Phawa apprised the government officials that many villagers were unaware about NFBS.
It was mentioned that the purpose of the programme was to sensitize the people about the Flagship Programmes of the Central Government besides the schemes and programmes being implemented by Agriculture, Fisheries and Soil Water Conservation departments.
Incidentally, people in rural areas are aware of the groundbreaking Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) due to active awareness drives conducted by the State Government.
Officers present at the programme also enlightened the villagers on various other flagship programmes including National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), MGNREGA, Total Sanitation Campaign, IAY, and National Rural Drinking Water.
A baby show was also organised on the occasion.