SHILLONG, Feb 24: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, on Thursday, distributed cheques to producer groups of South West Garo Hills during a programme at Salmanpara Multi Facility Centre, which was attended by Boldamgre MDC Stevie Marak, Nogorpara MDC Linekar K Sangma and officials from the district.
Addressing the gathering, comprising producer groups, farmers and the general public, the chief minister while highlighting the salient features and objectives of the state government’s flagship FOCUS programme, informed the audience that the financial support that is being given is assistance and not loan.
“Similarly, there are number of programs which we have initiated under a mission mode for which the government has allocated Rs 700 crores to create livelihood opportunities for our women, farmers and youth,” he said.
He also said that the people can also seek assistance for their farming activities through the Integrated Village Cooperative Societies.
While urging the people to use the financial assistance for the welfare of the group to increase production, increase the income and to improve farming activities, he also asked the people to take interest in the different livelihood schemes and programmes of the government.
Informing that 32 producer groups with 424 members would be given cheques amounting to Rs 21.10 lakh during the programme, he urged the members of the groups to work as a team with cooperation and understanding among themselves.
He later interacted with the farmers and producer groups and addressed their queries.
Under the Zikzak Block, South West Garo Hills, cheques worth Rs 27.80 lakh were distributed to 42 producer groups.
The FOCUS programme which is being implemented in mission mode has not only been able to help farmers earn the highest income in the country but has also helped them upscale their farming activities and livelihoods.
During his daylong visit to South west Garo Hills, the CM also inspected various ongoing developmental projects in the district which include Bandalkona Combined Water Supply Scheme under Jal Jeevan Mission under the Betaking Block.
The water supply scheme has provided 100% per cent Fixed Household Tap Connection (FHTC) to Bandalkona and works are ongoing to achieve 100 per cent FHTC for another three villages under it covering a total of 302 households by April 2022.
The Chief Minister also inspected the Garobadha-Ampati-Samati road, which is in advanced stage of completion.