Editor,
The letter by Dominic S Wankhar, ‘Much hyped IBDLP’, (ST 18 June 2013) where he has dragged the name of Meghalaya Rural Development Society (MRDS) and its co-funding agency the prestigious International Funding for Agriculture Development (IFAD), is baseless and malicious. For the information of readers, the people we serve have constructively criticised as much as they have appreciated our operations – and we have had the courage to take both in the right spirit.
The development project of IFAD implemented by MRDS started in October 2004 and has undergone numerous evaluations, monitoring and social audit processes, certified by local, national and international bodies approved by IFAD. For the record, MRDS has a financial achievement of more than 93% and physical achievement of over 114% during its project period which is in conformity with the evaluation by third party and verified by IFAD Project Closure Report (PCR) validation Mission fielded in April-May 2013. The success of MRDS has been acknowledged by the Board of Directors in its meeting held on 14th May 2013. MRDS have covered 709 villages as against 570 targeted, 44,429 households as against 29,300 targeted households, promoted 2387 SH Gs as against the target of 1955 SHGs. As per record, of the total households covered; 73% of families belong to the poorest of the poor. Community leadership across the five districts has acknowledged that 85% of the households have experienced increase in income. The PCR survey conducted by a third party in April 2013 shows that MRDS beneficiaries have an average annual income of Rs.56,349 per household which is much higher as compared to non-MRDS beneficiaries whose average annual income is Rs.28,969 per households. Overall 92% of beneficiaries reported receiving benefits from the project. The senior Govt. Officials have also visited our project villages, verified and validated our reports.
It is, therefore, unfortunate to see such a letter. Amidst all odds, MRDS chooses to be on the side of the poor as we have always been.
Yours etc.,
Daniel J. Ingty
Project Director – MRDS
Set up GHADC in Khasi Hills
Editor,
Apropos the news item “‘Bar Garos from taking part in KHADC polls,’ (ST June 20, 2013) I would like to seek clarification from Hon’ble MDC Mr. Adelbert Nongrum. According to newspaper quotes Nongrum has said that he does not see any justification for the Garos to vote or contest in the election of the Council (KHADC) since they already have their own Council (GHADC) to protect and safeguard their interests. Do you really mean to say that A·chiks (Garos) living in Khasi Hills should have the privilege to vote or contest in the election of their own Council, i.e, GHADC? If that is your opinion, I salute you Sir. You are a man of integrity indeed! Let there be GHADC in the A·chiks dominated areas of Khasi Hills to protect and safeguard their interest. Let their rights and interest not be taken away from them. Let my fellow A·chiks stay there with my Khasi brethren without any fear or panic, and let there be peace and harmony. Long live Meghalaya.
Yours etc.,
Tengsrang G Momin,
Via email