Renikton to use MLA fund to help poor families

MAWKYRWAT: Mawkyrwat MLA Renikton L Tongkhar on Thursday asked the headmen of different villages falling under Mawkyrwat Constituency, South West Khasi Hills, to identify those who are in dire need of help in this time of crisis so that benefits derived from the MLA scheme can reach them.
In a letter to the headmen under the constituency, the MLA asked them to identify the families on the basis of their income.
“The selection should be based on the income of the family irrespective of the area (within the village), religion or political parties. The help of leaders of different political parties in identifying the family that really needs help can be taken by the headmen. However, the decision should be taken by the village authorities without bias,” Tongkhar said.
“We don’t know how much help we can provide to the people. Therefore, when the list of families is prepared it is advisable that the list be prepared serially starting with the poorest families and we will provide help according to the list of beneficiaries,” he said.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, Tongkhar informed that there are many poor families that he has helped during the lockdown, especially labourers who require immediate help.
The MLA thanked the government for allowing the MLAs to use up to Rs 25 lakh from the MLA scheme to help the poor.