SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has asked the Village Employment Council functionaries under MGNREGA to try to achieve the 100 days guaranteed wages and to supplement it with innovative and convergence efforts taking advantage of the fund available.
Inaugurating the Conference of Village Employment Councils at the Convocation Hall of NEHU, Sangma said that the occasion is also an opportunity to come together and celebrate their 10 years of partnership with the Government in the implementation of MGNREGA.
Minister, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary H D R Lyngdoh and Pro Vice Chancellor, NEHU, Henry Lamin were also present for the inaugural session.
The Chief Minister said that 60:40 ratio of the wage and material component under MGNREGA is an issue which poses difficulties for the VECs, who have limited choices in their plans to create durable assets which involve high materials cost.
He further informed that since 2016-2017 the government has earmarked Rs 5 lakh each of rural constituencies under CMSRDF to utilise it in convergence with MGNREGS so that durable assets can be created.
He also said that the VEC model developed in the state is the best that is blended with the traditional institutions and Meghalaya is one of the top performers in the country.
He added that it is the responsibility of both the government and the VECs to infuse a sense of enthusiasm and commitment and shoulder the objective as a shared agenda.
CM releases Livestock Mission Document
Sangma also released the Livestock Mission Document during the occasion. The Livestock Mission is a convergence mission designed by Government of Meghalaya to create ecologically sustainable livelihood in the rural areas.
The five year mission will ensure 40 % households of livestock farming and the mission will encourage micro entrepreneurship and also promote breeding centers.
The conference was attended by VEC functionaries from six districts of Khasi and Jaintia Hills and from 24 C & RD Blocks.
Senior officers from various line departments were also present during the occasion.
