By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 4: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Tuesday said the number of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Meghalaya has increased from around 4,000 in 2018 to over 50,000 at present, supported by enhanced bank linkages and government funding.
He was speaking after inaugurating an Indoor Sports Hall and a Health Sub-Centre at Laitkyrhong village under the Mawkynrew Assembly constituency.
Tynsong encouraged women to further strengthen their participation in SHGs, assuring continued government support to expand livelihood opportunities and economic empowerment initiatives.
Responding to issues including poor road conditions and shortage of healthcare personnel as highlighted in a memorandum, he said the government would coordinate with the departments concerned to address the grievances. He further assured assistance for strengthening the local Secondary School.
Urging residents to complement traditional healing practices with institutional medical care, Tynsong noted that improved access to healthcare facilities has significantly helped reduce the maternal mortality rate in the state.
He said the newly inaugurated projects would benefit not only the Laitkyrhong village but also adjoining areas. He commended local MLA Banteidor Lyngdoh for facilitating the schemes and called upon residents to work collectively toward sustained development.
Lyngdoh expressed gratitude to Tynsong and all stakeholders involved in completing the projects. He said the commissioning of the Health Sub-Centre would enable residents to access medical services closer to home.
He further stated that more Health Sub-Centres are expected to be inaugurated in the constituency soon, reaffirming his and the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare services. He described them as vital assets for the people.
He lauded the proactive role played by the residents of Laitkyrhong in supporting healthcare initiatives and stressed the importance of ensuring adequate medical staff to deliver quality treatment.
He said although three projects were initially scheduled for inauguration, one relating to a football ground is yet to be completed and will be opened at a later date.
He disclosed that there were plans to establish a Khelo India Sports Hall in the village in recognition of its sporting talent but the proposal could not materialise due to certain eligibility criteria. He urged residents to make proper use of the Indoor Sports Hall.
