From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, Dec 11: As many as 86 self-help groups (SHGs) and 14 village organisations in Ri Bhoi benefitted during a SHG mela-cum-health camp at Kurkalang playground, Bhoirymbong, on Friday.
It may be mentioned that the one-day programme was organised by Meghalaya State Rural Livelihood Society — Block Mission Management Unit, Bhoirymbong, in collaboration with the Bhoirymbong C&RD Block as part of statehood celebrations.
C&RD Minister, Hamletson Dohling, who attended the programme as the chief guest, appealed to women from every household to become members of SHG. He said by doing so, they will not only be able to avail welfare schemes from the government but also bank loans.
Informing that the government since 2018 has been increasing funds as well as beneficiaries for various welfare schemes, Dohling maintained that SHGs play an important role in the society.
The minister during the day also handed over cheques (bank loans) worth Rs 89.75 lakh to 86 SHGs and Community Investment Fund amounting to Rs 62 lakh for 14 village organisations. Cheques were also distributed among producers through FOCUS scheme.
Earlier, Dohling had also laid the foundation stone for construction of the Block Development Office for Bhoirymbong C&RD Block, sanctioned by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Others who were present during the programme include Transport Minister Dasakhiatbha Lamare, Umroi MLA George B Lyngdoh, Umroi MDC R Kharbuki, Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner RM Kurbah, Director of C&RD department SC Sadhu, BDO of Bhoirymbong CJK Warjri, CEO of MSRLS R Kynta, et al.
The mela also saw stalls being set, which showcased SHG products, Aadhaar enrolment, vaccination against COVID-19, etc. Cultural programmes were the cherry on the cake.
