SHILLONG: The Chief Minister’s Social Assistance (CMSA) scheme for persons with disabilities (PwDs), which was started in 2014 by former Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma, at the rate of Rs 500 per individual per month, has now become insufficient, according to the beneficiaries, who are also facing hardships with regard to the regularity of provision of the scheme.
Raking up the matter, Bertina Lyngdoh of Bethany Society, on behalf of the PwDs, said that it has been difficult for them to meet their daily needs with the meagre amount considering the soaring market prices of goods.
While pointing out that other states provide Rs 1500-3000 to PwDs per month on a regular basis, she questioned the government if Rs 500 for them would fulfil their needs. “Is it that the Central government provides very less money for this particular scheme? And why is it not given on a regular basis?” she said.
With regard to unemployed allowance scheme, Lyngdoh said that they have so far not received the allowance for 2019-2020.