SHILLONG, June 17: A total of 125 community centres spread across Garo Hills were inaugurated by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Tuesday. The centres aim to provide a platform for communities to initiate various activities, including income-generating initiatives.
Constructed at a cost of Rs 24 lakh each (with Rs 13 lakh from the project and Rs 11 lakh from the state), they are funded under the Meghalaya Livelihood and Forest Ecosystem Management Project (MegLIFE).
The programme was attended by Speaker Thomas K Sangma, Ministers Marcuise Marak, Rakkam A Sangma, Abu Taher Mondal, and several MLAs.
The community centres were virtually inaugurated from Dobakol Awemong under Baghmara C&RD block in South Garo Hills, where the chief minister was present to witness the event.
The MegLIFE project, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), focuses on community-based forest management and livelihood improvement in 500 villages across 12 districts of Meghalaya.
The project has not only constructed community centres but also initiated several income-generating activities, including community nursery, plantation, minor irrigation check dams, dug-out ponds, plastic tanks, and RCC water storage tanks.
The Integrated Village Cooperative Societies (IVCSs) and self-help groups (SHGs) are integral to the project, receiving benefits and playing a vital role in its implementation.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that the project focuses on restoration of degraded forests, strengthening natural resource management, and improving rural livelihoods He added that the project empowers communities to take ownership of forest, land, and water resources. “We want to build a community that initiates intervention for sustainable livelihood. Through MegLife project, we are creating environment consciousness and ensuring sustained income through different activities”, Sangma said.
Under the project, the total target of 452 community centres across Meghalaya is to be completed.
Thanking JICA for the support, the chief minister said that another 150 plus community centres will be completed in Garo Hills.
Stating the importance of these community centres in fostering community development and promoting livelihood initiatives, he highlighted the project’s focus on community empowerment and sustainable development.
He also interacted with community who attended the programme virtually.
