WILLIAMNAGAR, May 27: As part of a series of development initiatives launched in East Garo Hills, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma distributed mobile phones among Anganwadi workers, and also provided IIT Innovative Eco H2O Filters to Anganwadi centres of the district to ensure clean water access.
Later, the chief minister along with the dignitaries distributed cheques to beneficiaries under the new CM CARE scheme.
Addressing a gathering of 2,000 people in Dolwaregre, East Garo Hills, the chief minister said, “Meghalaya was among the poorest states, and though challenges remain, we are committed to progress.”
Emphasising the need for clear targets, Sangma stressed that the government was working with focus but needed collective societal effort. “As a community, we must work together to transform our state.”
He commended the Anganwadi workers for their hard work in social welfare, particularly in providing nutrition and healthcare to ensure children grow into responsible citizens.
Speaking on the occasion, Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh said under POSHAN Abhiyaan, the government has procured more than 6,000 mobile phones across the state for Anganwadi workers. He added that more than 2,600 mobile phones are being distributed in the Garo Hills region and overall, the government has accessed around Rs 6 crore of funding from the central ministry to be able to arrange the phones. The phones are being equipped with the ‘Poshan Chakra’ app to assist them in the weightage of pregnant mothers, adolescent girls, and children registered in Anganwadi centres — as there are a close to 4 lakh children beneficiaries, 70,000 pregnant and lactating mothers and 69,000 adolescent girls, who are being given SMP through the Social Welfare Department.
Lyngdoh expressed his happiness at being able to connect with the public and the grassroots workers, terming them members of ‘Team Meghalaya.’
The cheques being distributed under the CM-CARE Scheme will benefit widows, senior citizens who will receive Rs 750 every month through Direct Beneficiary Transfer (DBT).
Additionally, as part of the programme, the CM, along with the dignitaries, inaugurated the extended building of St. George Higher Secondary School at Dolwaregre, East Garo Hills. The dignitaries took the initiative forward by distributing MTAB to the school students.
The CM also announced an upgrade for the Tura Integrated Administrative Complex, with the project budget increasing from Rs 30-40 crore to over Rs 150 crore. The design is complete, and the tender process has been finalised, he added. Additionally, he stated that work on the Rs 50-crore Tura Convention Centre has already begun.
