Allegations of highhandedness against village chief
SHILLONG: An 18-year-old girl of Kynroh Nonglyer village, East Khasi Hills – Marita Nongrum – has failed to avail benefit of the Chief Minister’s Social Assistance Scheme (CMSAS) only because her father had opposed the diktat of the Sordar of the village to deny a family the PDS benefit.
The CMSAS was launched by the State Government this year with the intention of providing succor to the aged, infirm, disabled and those left to fend for themselves.
Kharthangmaw (Marita’s father) had approached Kwit Kyrsian, Sordar of Kynroh Nonglyer village in East Khasi Hills District for a certificate for his daughter, who is physically challenged.
“I had approached him (Sordar) for a certificate to apply for an EPIC card for my daughter on September 25 last. But he refused do so. This is just because we had stood against him when he wanted to deprive one family of the PDS items,” Kharthangmaw said.
He said Kharthangmaw’s younger brother – Basilnud Kharthangmaw – who is the authorized fair price dealer in the village along with other residents had fought against the Sordar’s diktat to deny a woman and her family from availing the PDS benefit.
“We are looking for justice and we believe that we will get it because we know that the government truly wants to serve the people,” observed Binus Kharthangmaw.
Under this scheme a financial assistance of Rs. 500 is provided monthly. There is no age bar for persons with disability and for widows.
Meanwhile, the family along with the support of villagers, has decided to approach the KHADC to remove the Sordar.