FOCUS benefits now for urban producer groups

BAGHMARA, Oct 20: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, on Thursday, said benefits of FOCUS scheme will be extended to urban producers’ groups in the state.
As part of this initiative, producer groups comprising 10 or more members with income generating activities can avail Rs 5,000 each as individual cash benefit under the umbrella of the group.
“A weavers group or pickle making group can come together as a producer group under FOCUS in urban areas and avail the benefit of the scheme. Even youth groups doing different income generating activities can also form such groups and avail its benefits,” said Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma at a programme to celebrate the success of FOCUS in Baghmara, South Garo Hills.
He told the gathering that registration for FOCUS plus across the state will continue till November 30, and in the first week of December, the funds will be transferred to the beneficiaries.
He said that during registration, the first instalment of Rs 1,000 will be disbursed and the second instalment of Rs 4,000 will be disbursed in the first week of December.
Under FOCUS and FOCUS plus, 4.5 lakh people across the state will benefit. The government has earmarked Rs 500 crore for this flagship initiative.
Addressing a gathering of over 3,000 comprising farming communities, youth organisations and people from different walks of life at Baghmara, the CM said the government will continue to support the farming sector and will ensure that the youths are given opportunities for sustained livelihood.
During the programme, he also distributed cheques under Focus and handed over Focus plus cards to beneficiaries. He also handed over cheques under ‘Yess Meghalaya’ to youth organisations and under ‘Progress’ scheme piglets and Kuroiler chicks to different beneficiaries of the district. He also handed over cheques worth Rs 2.15 crore to village organisations in the district under Community Investment Fund for the current financial year.
The CM, who has been touring different parts of the state to promote flagship schemes of the government, advised the beneficiaries to utilise the funds received for common good. He said that the funds can be used to upscale their ongoing farming activities and used as “revolving funds” amongst the group members.
He said that through revolving funds and intervention carried out within the group, the members can expand their enterprise and agricultural activities.
At the event, the CM also distributed cheques under “Green Meghalaya” initiative to various community organisations for their endeavour to conserve natural resources and forest.