NONGPOH: Governor of Meghalaya Banwarilal Purohit said on Tuesday the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme has been successfully implemented in the State over the past 10 years because of the disciplined functioning of village employment councils.
Purohit, while addressing a gathering at an awareness cum interaction programme organised by the office of the Block Development Officer in Ri Bhoi, said the MGNREGA was introduced in the district in 2007 as Meghalaya is one of the states that do not have a panchayati raj system.
“The unique system of VECs has been created to supervise this scheme,” he said as he lauded the vibrant efforts of VECs in Meghalaya.
The governor referred to Mahatma Gandhi’s dream to promote ‘village self-rule’ while talking about the role of VECs.
The programme was attended by self help groups, MGNREGS beneficiaries and VEC functionaries at the football ground at Jaiawpdeng in Umroi on Tuesday.
Purohit said Ri Bhoi is going to celebrate its 25th anniversary in June this year and complimented the people of the district for the rapid development.
“SHGs are a viable platform for people and help in generating a strong social capital providing opportunities for families to take up livelihood activities,” he added.
Purohit said the government is also trying to improve funding through the bank accounts of beneficiaries. The governor visited stalls showcased by various SHGs from different blocks.
Solar street lights installed at Kongthong
Meanwhile, Purohit on Tuesday inaugurated the solar street lights project at Kongthong village under Khatar Shnong -Laitkor Community and Rural Development Block, East Khasi Hills district.
The Governor said Meghalaya with its picturesque waterfalls and landscape, beautiful nature and pleasant climate can attract tourists to visit the State. He lauded the people of the State for their unique culture, honesty, simplicity and hard working nature.
The Governor also urged the people of the areas to preserve the environment and rich cultural heritage and carried forward to showcase the world its distinctiveness.
The solar street lighting project at Kongthong village was funded by the Governor’s Secretariat.
