BJYM targets Govt over dues to SHGs, anganwadis

SHILLONG: The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) has voiced its concerns over the pending bills of the State Government to self-help groups (SHG) and societies since 2015.
In a statement to the media, BJYM said non-payment of bills to the tune of Rs 75 crore by the Social Welfare Department to SHGs, societies and anganwadi centres was intended to take away the rights of these groups.
BJYM alleged that the State made partial payments in 2015-16 and 2016-17 despite the Centre releasing funds regularly.
The Morcha asked the Social Welfare Department whether the amount was utilised and said the department has to clarify to the public on the expenditure.
The group went on to allege that the Bill under SABLA Scheme is pending since 2013-14.
BJYM stated that the work of supplying nutrition items to ICDS centres and anganwadis as empowered by the Supreme Court in 2004 is that the Government should engage this work to SHG/societies/women organisation/groups instead of contractors.
Stating that ministers prefer to give such tasks to their own contractors or business partners as they need a commission, BJYM has demanded that the Government should take appropriate action in this regard.