SHILLONG, Feb 19: With the objective of strengthening the implementation of essential government programmes, and to assess local development projects, Union Minister of State (MoS) for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Nimuben J Bambhaniya, visited several key facilities across Meghalaya on Wednesday.
The minister’s visit included inspection of various initiatives aimed at improving public welfare, including healthcare facilities, food distribution systems, rural employment schemes, and housing projects.
Rynjah State Dispensary
Bambhaniya began her visit at the Rynjah State Dispensary, where she interacted with healthcare professionals including doctors and nurses. She reviewed the quality of services provided to local residents, especially those from nearby areas. The minister emphasized the need for continued efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and services, ensuring the well-being of all residents.
Anapurti Grain ATM
The MoS also visited the Anapurti Grain ATM at the Fair Price Shop in Rynjah RR Colony. This innovative automated grain dispensing system, introduced in 2023, is the first of its kind in Northeast India. Designed to provide subsidised food grains efficiently, the system allows beneficiaries to collect their entitlements through biometric authentication, ensuring transparency and accuracy in distribution.
Bambhaniya interacted with National Food Security Act (NFSA) beneficiaries and observed the smooth online transactions carried out by recipients. The initiative, a partnership between the Department of Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Meghalaya and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), has been hailed as a breakthrough in food security.
Bharat Nirman Rajiv Gandhi Seva Kendra
In Mawdiangdiang, MoS Bambhaniya inspected the Bharat Nirman Rajiv Gandhi Seva Kendra (BNRGSK), which plays a crucial role in the administration of rural development programmes such as MGNREGA and PMAY-G. During her visit, she reviewed the facility’s expansion, which increased from an initial 710 to 1,474 square feet, thanks to the support of the Dorbar Shnong.
The minister commended the collaboration between the state government, local bodies, and community members in ensuring that the center caters effectively to rural development needs.
Mawdiangdiang Anganwadi centre
The Union minister also interacted with Anganwadi workers and children at Mawdiangdiang. She discussed early childhood development and the critical importance of nutrition and support for maternal and child welfare. The center’s efforts in providing nutritional support and developmental programs were lauded, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving the lives of young children in rural areas.
PMAY housing scheme
The MoS visited Mawkasiang village, where she inspected homes constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G). These houses, completed within the stipulated time, were built for beneficiaries Deisha Warbah and Dismolin Warbah. The efficient implementation of the housing scheme was highlighted as a significant step toward improving living conditions for rural families.
Children’s Shelter Home
MoS Bambhaniya also visited the government-run Children’s Home for Boys in Mawkasiang, a facility that currently cares for 31 children. The children, placed through the Child Welfare Committee, come from various backgrounds, including single-parent homes, domestic violence situations, and homelessness. The minister inspected the home’s dormitory, dining room, and music room, urging the importance of treating these children with compassion and care as if they were their own.
Village health council, Umroh village
The minister’s tour also included a visit to Umroh village under Diengapsoh PHC, where she assessed the functioning of the Village Health Committee (VHC). Bambhaniya praised the efforts of the VHC in promoting health services, such as immunisation, screening for tuberculosis, and counselling for non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes. She was particularly impressed with the village’s achievement of 100% immunisation and institutional deliveries during the previous financial year.
During her visit, the VHC shared their success in conducting two health camps, one of which was combined with a 100-day TB campaign. The minister applauded the collaborative approach between local bodies, the Health department, and the community for improving public health outcomes.
Following her visit, Bambhaniya expressed satisfaction with the progress of various government schemes, particularly those focused on rural development, healthcare, and child welfare.
She encouraged local stakeholders and authorities to continue their diligent efforts to ensure that the benefits of these programs reach every eligible citizen.
“The collaborative efforts between the state government, local communities, and national initiatives are key to the success of these programs. I am confident that the work we are doing today will create lasting improvements in the lives of the people of Meghalaya,” said the Union minister.
