By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 18: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced on Friday that the state government will launch initiatives to raise public awareness about the “Meghalayan Age”. He made the declaration during an interactive session with beneficiaries of the CM-Elevate and FOCUS schemes, which saw participation from various districts and blocks across the state, both in person and virtually.
The idea for these initiatives was prompted by a suggestion from a social entrepreneur hailing from Mawmluh village, East Khasi Hills, who highlighted that the “Meghalayan Age” has been a topic of international interest among geologists. He stressed the importance of educating the local population about this significant geological era.
In response, the CM proposed several initiatives, including the creation of a documentary film to explore the scientific aspects of the “Meghalayan Age”. This documentary, he said, would serve as an educational tool to help the public better understand the geological importance of this era.
In addition to the Meghalayan Age discussions, farmers attending the programme raised several concerns. Key issues included the need for improved market linkages, expansion of the Focus and Focus Plus financial support schemes, and clarification on whether the financial aid provided is in the form of loans or grants.
Responding to these queries, Sangma assured farmers that the funds provided through the Focus and Focus Plus schemes are grants and subsidies, not loans.
Under the second tranche of the FOCUS scheme, funds amounting to Rs 17.2 crore were disbursed to 3,688 PGs & 30,697 farming households in Meghalaya.
Cheques were also distributed to 33 entrepreneurs under CM-Elevate amounting to Rs 7.74 crore.