Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 1062/17

MUDRA PROMOTION CAMPAIGN

The Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with the Government of India and State Level Bankers Committee, Meghalaya conducted the MUDRA Promotion Campaign today at U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong. Union Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre graced the programme as the Chief Guest and Meghalaya Taxation Minister, Shri Zenith M. Sangma as the Guest of Honour. Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, Union Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre said that Mudra and Stand-Up India scheme will bring about a massive transformation to the youth of the nation. He informed that the scheme was launched by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi on 8th April, 2015 to ‘fund the unfunded’ by bringing enterprises to the formal financial system and extending affordable credit to the entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. The Union MoS also requested the people of the State to opt for digital payments in their day to day transactions to make the State and the country a cashless society.

Meghalaya Taxation Minister, Shri Zenith M. Sangma informed the gathering that there are 36 banking institutions functioning in the State, out of which 21 are Public Sector Banks, 10 are Private Banks, 1 Rural Bank and 4 Cooperative Banks and about 395 bank branches in the State with 51 percent coverage in rural areas where only about 20 percent of the rural areas have access to ATMs. Shri Sangma said that lack of awareness about the financial support system, unavailability of banking facilities and financial assistance in the rural areas, people are often forced to borrow from other sources for financial support which limits their higher borrowing capacity and hence the gap in financial inclusion. He said that the scheme will not only ensure greater connectivity, but will also bridge the financial inclusion gaps and provide a better social security cover for the people. During the programme, the Union MoS for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre alongwith Meghalaya Taxation Minister, Shri Zenith M. Sangma distributed token loans to the beneficiaries and also visited the stalls put up at the venue by different financial institutions.

Press Release No. 1063/17

BETI BACHAO BETI PADHAO WEEK INAUGURATED

A week long Observance of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao was inaugurated by PHE Minister, Dr. C. Lyngdoh today at the District Library Hall, Nongpoh in the presence of Shri. N. Khan, District & Session Judge, Nongpoh, Shri. C.P. Gotmare, Deputy Commissioner, Ri Bhoi District, Smti. I.B. Warjri, Mission Director SRCW, Smti. D. Phawa, ADM, Smti. D.D. Syngai, EAC, Smti. Y.R. Mawlong, EAC, Anganwadi workers, ASHAs, students and teachers. The programme was organized by the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Ri Bhoi District, Nongpoh in collaboration with the District Task Force Committee, Ri Bhoi District. Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Dr. C. Lyngdoh said that as far as sex discrimination is concerned our society has nothing to worry as women are put in a very good position and respect. Dr. Lyngdoh highlighted about the various social evils that are prevalent in the society which needs to be addressed and appealed to everyone be part of the movement, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.

Shri. N. Khan, District and Session Judge, Nongpoh in his speech hoped that the scheme (BBBP) percolates down to the grass root level through awareness and sensitization to the people, and assessment should be made of the impact and effectiveness of the scheme implemented in order that the plan and mission succeeds and bring a change to the society.

Smti. I.B. Warjri, Mission Director, SRWC highlighted the objectives of the scheme (BBBP) which was launched by the Prime Minister on 22/1/2015. The scheme is implemented in 161 district of the country which includes the Ri Bhoi District in our state, where the sex ratio of a girl child is low compared to the opposite sex. The scheme deals not only to stop girl infanticide but to look into education and health aspects of the girl child and through the scheme focus is laid on education, skill, vocational and counseling and entrepreneurship so that the girl could one day support and stand on her arm feet, she added. Other highlights of the programme include reading of the pledge and the signature campaign.