House discusses single mothers’ plight

SHILLONG: Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on Wednesday had a detailed discussion on the plight of single mothers who are the most vulnerable section of the society.
Initiating the discussion during a special motion on the need to extend financial benefits to school teachers, casual employees, daily wage earners and disadvantaged sections like widows and infirm in sync with the pay hike announced for state government employees, UDP legislator, Paul Lyngdoh said the amount of Rs 500 which is given to single mothers and infirm people under the Chief Minister’s Social Assistance Scheme is too meagre.
Another UDP MLA, Jemino Mawthoh too rued that Rs 500 is too meagre even as he expressed concern over the plight of single mothers
Later, chief minister, Mukul Sangma while replying to the special motion, informed that 30284 single mothers while 53573 infirm people are getting benefits from the scheme. Sangma informed that even the central government is giving Rs 250 under Old Age Pension scheme to citizens above the age of 65 and living below the poverty line (BPL).
The Meghalaya government has also written to the central government to increase the amount.