SHILLONG, March 10: The total number of people who returned to Meghalaya amid the lockdown-induced exodus from different parts of the country numbered at over 95,000.
This was informed by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Wednesday while replying to a query raised by Gambegre MLA, Saleng A Sangma, during the Question Hour of the ongoing Budget session.
Giving a district-wise break-up of the 95,189 returnees, the chief minister informed that 63412 returnees were from East Khasi Hills, 8883 from West Garo Hills, 7144 from Ri Bhoi, 4141 from East Jaintia Hills, 3120 from West Jaintia Hills, 2009 from North Garo Hills, 1678 from West Khasi Hills, 890 from South West Khasi Hills, 1363 from East Garo Hills, 797 from South Garo Hills and 1752 from South West Garo Hills. He also assured that efforts are on to help the returnees through various programmes.
Replying to a question whether the returnees have availed financial assistance under the Project Livelihood and Gainful Employment funded by the North Eastern Council, Conrad informed that 502 applicants have been approved for financial assistance under Phase-I of the project and that applications under Phase-II are being examined by the Directorate of Commerce and Industries.
Saleng suggested that the government should rather utilise the expertise of the returnees by providing them employment opportunities, which will, in turn, better state’s workforce and economy. Acknowledging the suggestion, the chief minister said that a lot of programmes in this direction are already going on and many of the returnees are already working at Corona Care Centre, EAP projects.
Saleng also raised a supplementary question enquiring about the fate of labourers who have returned to the state due to pandemic and are illiterate. He asked as to how does the state government plans to accommodate them.
The chief minister informed that there has been no bar set on one’s qualifications and income under the Project Livelihood and Gainful Employment.
Informing that even the labourers can avail the programme, he said that suggestions to engage them in the state can be examined.
Meanwhile, Umroi MLA, George Lyngdoh, pointed out that albeit the mode of financial assistance is for the youths to thrive as entrepreneurs, the ones selected are not provided with further support. Lyngdoh suggested the government to hold training programmes to help such youths.
The chief minister, in his reply, said that there is a broad-based entrepreneurship programme and many such programmes are on and will go on.