By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 14: A fervent appeal was made to include under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) as many as eight villages in Ri-Bhoi recognised as rural areas which were excluded from Nongpoh Town Committee through a government notification.
A delegation of Synjuk Ki Phra Shnong GS Pahamrioh circle, which made this appeal, met C&RD Minister AT Mondol and submitted a memorandum on Wednesday.
The villages are Umskun, Umshangling, Umrangksai, Umlyngkdait, Lumbyrhing, Pahamrioh-Lum, Pahamrioh Them and Shangbangla.
The organisation stated that these villages which were previously under the jurisdiction of the Nongpoh Town Committee (Urban), were excluded via notification (dated November 17, 2020) and are now recognised as rural areas. “They should rightfully benefit from the PMAY schemes as they no longer fall under the urban classification,” the Synjuk said.
Pointing out that the PMAY aims to provide affordable housing for all, and it is a vital programme for addressing the housing needs of the population, the organisation stated that the residents of the mentioned villages are in dire need of assistance and their exclusion from the PMAY is a significant hindrance to their access to such centrally sponsored provisions.
“Recognising the classification of these villages into rural areas and the subsequent need for housing development, we urge the government to make a special provision for their inclusion under PMAY schemes. This will ensure that the residents can benefit from the provisions made available for rural areas,” it said.
