From Our Correspondent
TURA: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma on Monday launched the Chief Minister’s Special Assistance Scheme in an elaborate function attended by people from all walks of life at Asanang near here.
This the first time such a scheme is being launched in the state. The scheme aims at providing special assistance in the form of monthly monetary allowances to the old and infirm, differently abled and widows.
The scheme is being implemented by the Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) in every block and will enable the beneficiaries to live a life of dignity without depending on others.
Delivering the inaugural address, Dr Sangma expressed a sense of happiness and satisfaction that the government is reaching out to every section of the society, even the marginalised and the differently abled. He informed that fund worth Rs 10 crore has been released to the department of Social Welfare for the implementation of the programme in the first phase.
Dr Sangma informed that the total number of beneficiaries in the State is yet to be ascertained as probable applicants were still under the process of applying to avail the scheme. He urged concerned CDPOs to invite beneficiaries to avail the scheme and informed that the due date for beneficiaries to apply for the scheme had been extended for another thirty days.
Social Welfare Minister JA Lyngdoh, while addressing the gathering, gave his assurance that he would direct the concerned social welfare officers to implement the scheme effectively throughout the State.
During the launch Dr Sangma and Lyngdoh distributed pension cards and cheques to beneficiaries from Zikzak, Betasing and Rongram C & RD Blocks.
Among other who spoke on the occasion were local MLA and Parliamentary Secretary, Ismail R Marak, Commissioner for persons with disabilities, I R Sangma, GHADC CEM, PK Sangma and veteran politician and former minister, Miriam D Shira.
