Tynsong’s mantra: Raise more kids, rice will be aplenty

SHILLONG: Taking a cue from former Congress leader HS Shylla, Forest and Environment Minister Prestone Tynsong has encouraged villagers to produce more children since plenty of rice would be available at an affordable price once the Food Security Scheme (FSS) is implemented.
Notably, Shylla, during his tenure as the chief executive member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) had handed over awards to the most productive families.
While addressing a public meeting to campaign in favour of the Congress candidate from Mawkynrew constituency, Banteidor Lyngdoh, Tynsong informed that the state’s population stood at 29.5 lakh as per the 2012-13 census out of which 21 lakh people will be benefitted under the Food Security Scheme.
“The government will soon introduce a scheme where each person will get 5 kgs of rice per month at the rate of Rs 3 per kg… With plenty of rice available the people are free to produce more children,” the Forest and Environment Minister said.
“We have plenty of food to feed our young ones,” Tynsong added.
In order to deviate the amused gathering which seemed aware that the promised subsidy was a part of the Food Security Bill, the Congress candidate, Banteidor Lyngdoh also known as ‘Pai’ assured people that he was eager to serve them and wished for an opportunity to do so.
“Give me a chance, if I fail to  serve you then I am ready to pay the price,” Lyngdoh appealed.
Others who addressed the gathering included MPCC president and chief advisor to the government, DD Lapang who in his inimitable way tried to prevail upon the people to vote for the party candidate so as to take the constituency forward.