JOWAI: A footbridge constructed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS) at Shangpung Pohshnong in West Jaintia Hills was inaugurated by West Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner, PS Dkhar on Tuesday.
The footbridge, constructed across the Um-Iurem River, is expected to provide much-needed relief for farmers and local residents of the neighbouring village of Muthlong-rim.
The scheme was implemented by the Shangpung Pohshnong Village Employment Council (VEC). VEC secretary, T Suchiang, informed that the total expenditure involved in the construction of the foot bridge was Rs. 16.44 lakh.
“The Shangpung Pohshnong VEC has properly implemented the scheme including construction of a motorable road, footpath and others,” Laskein BDO, LT Tariang, said while speaking at the inaugural function.
In his speech, the Deputy Commissioner lauded the Shangpung Pohshnong VEC for proper implementation of the scheme.
“The scheme under MGNREGA will not only help the villagers to get hundred days of job annually but it will also help development of the village,” Dkhar said. He also hoped that Shangpung Pohshnong VEC will set an example for other VECs for proper implementation of the Central scheme.
Dkhar also informed that more schemes will be allotted to VECs based on their performance. He lamented that some of the VECs do not complete the projects awarded to them in time and the delay have caused inconvenience to the BDOs and also to the district administration who are unable to adhere to the norm of timely submission of the Utilisation Certificate to the Government.