SHILLONG: Social Welfare Minister Deborah Ch Marak has sought additional funds from the Central Government for implementing Vocational Training schemes for local tribals and to support voluntary organisations working in the field of education, health, legal redressal services for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes in Meghalaya.
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, organised a meeting of State Tribal Affairs Ministers on Tuesday in Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi to discuss comprehensive and encompassing strategy for welfare of tribals in the country.
The meeting was presided over by Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Jual Oram, who also launched the Van Vandhu Kalyan Yojana Scheme.
Meghalaya was represented by Social Welfare Minister Deborah Ch Marak, Commissioner & Secretary, T. Dkhar and Director of Social Welfare, H.M. Shangpliang.
Speaking on the occasion, Deborah appealed the Government of India to increase fund allocation to Meghalaya for implementing various schemes for the tribal population.
She also stressed on the need for more funds for Pre- Matric and Post- Matric Scholarships for Tribal students of Meghalaya.
Marak further requested the Ministry to increase the fund under the National Handicapped Finance Development Corporation to enable more handicapped citizens of the State to avail self employment projects through the Meghalaya Cooperative Apex Bank.