SHILLONG, March 11: The state government on Tuesday defended the Chief Minister’s Housing Assistance Programme (CMHAP) against allegations of opacity, emphasising its commitment to providing shelter for Meghalaya’s most vulnerable.
During a short-duration discussion in the Assembly, Housing Minister Marcuise N Marak acknowledged the shortcomings of the now-defunct Rural Housing Scheme (RHS) — a programme that distributed roofing materials to over 71,000 beneficiaries but left many others waiting for years.
He explained that this gap led to the launch of CMHAP in 2017, a more inclusive initiative aimed at extending housing support to both rural and urban communities.
Under CMHAP, beneficiaries from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) receive roofing materials, while Low-Income Group (LIG) families are eligible for financial assistance of Rs 75,000. However, Marak revealed that currently, only the first component — the distribution of aluminium roofing sheets — is being implemented. The financial aid aspect has so far been limited to just 130 beneficiaries in South West Garo Hills during 2017-18.
Addressing concerns over transparency, the minister outlined the selection process, explaining that beneficiaries are chosen by Block Level Housing Selection and Monitoring Committees (BLHSMC) in rural areas and Urban Level Housing Selection and Monitoring Committees (ULHSMC) in urban regions. These selections are then approved by District Housing Committees (DHC), chaired by the Deputy Commissioners of each district.
He stated that preference is given to vulnerable groups, including differently-abled persons, senior citizens, single mothers, and members of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other marginalised communities. Additionally, as per scheme guidelines, whenever possible, the title of the house is granted in the name of a woman in the family.
On the issue of block and municipality targets, Marak explained that allocations are determined based on population size, household numbers from the 2011 Census, and socioeconomic disparities.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fairness in housing distribution despite budgetary constraints.
He also acknowledged ongoing challenges in implementing the scheme and assured the House that efforts are under way to streamline processes, incorporate innovative solutions, and promote environmentally sustainable practices.
“As times change, we must adapt. The Housing department is preparing to align with modern demands, focusing not only on providing shelter but also on sustainability and viability. Our goal is to uplift the lives and dignity of the poor in both rural and urban areas,” Marak stated.
He expressed hope that through collective efforts and constructive dialogue, the state’s housing schemes would be implemented more effectively for the benefit of its most vulnerable populations.
