SHILLONG: In a fresh revelation, a villager from Kynroh Nonglyer has alleged that 18-year-old physically disabled girl, Marita Nongrum was denied the Chief Minister’s Social Assistance Scheme (CMSAS) since her family did not support sitting Congress MLA from Sohiong constituency, HDR Lyngdoh in the last Assembly elections.
Speaking to newsmen on Monday,Fatima Kharthangmaw of Kynroh Nonglyer village in East Khasi Hills lamented the alleged rise in the unhealthy trend of MLAs influencing the affairs of the village Dorbars.
She further claimed, “we have accepted the fact that we are not going to enjoy the benefits of the various Government schemes since the MLA has already instructed his people to prepare a list of his supporters (who would be the only ones to avail the benefits).”
The victim had earlier alleged that she had failed to avail the benefit of the CMSAS only because her father had opposed the diktat of the Sordar of the village to deny a family the PDS benefit.
Kharthangmaw (Marita’s father) had approached Kwit Kyrsian, Sordar of Kynroh Nonglyer village for a certificate for his daughter to open a bank account to avail the scheme but the same was denied by the latter.
Meanwhile, CSWO president Agnes Kharshiiing said that the organization has requested the bank to allow the girl to open her account without any certificate.
Earlier, Social Welfare Director, HM Shangpliang had said that officials of the department were inquiring into the matter and he was awaiting the report.
Shangpliang had also said that the department will verify the girl’s disability certificate and if it is found valid, she would be enrolled for the CMSAS without the recommendation of the Sordar. The CMSAS was launched by the State Government this year with an aim to provide succor to the aged, infirm, disabled and those left to fend for themselves. Under the scheme, financial assistance of Rs.500 per month is provided to the beneficiaries.
