From Our Correspondent
Resubelpara, March 4: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma launched the second phase of the FOCUS+ scheme in North Garo Hills on Wednesday.
The programme was held in remembrance of former Lok Sabha Speaker, P. A. Sangma, on his 10th death anniversary. The day also marked eight years of the MDA government in the state.
The first phase of FOCUS+ was launched in the district in 2022, and under the newly launched second phase, as many as 2000 additional beneficiaries have been registered in North Garo Hills.
During the programme, beneficiaries of FOCUS+ and Green Meghalaya shared testimonies on the positive impact of the schemes. The chief minister distributed cheques to selected beneficiaries and assured that those who did not receive their cheques during the event would receive their funds in due course.
Alongside FOCUS+, beneficiaries under the Green Meghalaya initiative also received support. The Green Meghalaya programme focuses on environmental sustainability through plantation drives, community-led afforestation, climate-resilient farming, and promotion of eco-friendly livelihoods.
Addressing the gathering, the chief minister congratulated the beneficiaries and assured continued government support to further strengthen rural livelihoods and sustainable development initiatives in the State.
Paying tribute to the late leader, the chief minister highlighted the vision and contributions of the late P. A. Sangma towards the welfare and progress of Meghalaya.
He informed that the P. A. Sangma Museum has been opened at the P.A. Sangma Stadium in Tura, which houses archives, galleries, memorabilia, and documents reflecting his life and achievements.
Reiterating the aspirations of the late leader in uplifting the education sector, the chief minister stated that education has been accorded top priority in the state budget, with the highest allocation directed towards strengthening the sector.
Minister of Tourism and Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Timothy D. Shira, recalled the life and contributions of P. A. Sangma, stating that his leadership helped bring national recognition to Meghalaya, particularly the Garo Hills region. He also urged all stakeholders to actively support the Green Meghalaya initiative in building an ecologically sustainable environment.
MLAs Marthon Sangma (Mendipathar), Pongseng Marak (Bajengdoba), and Rupert Momin (Kharkutta), along with other dignitaries, attended the programme.
