Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 481/12

SOCIAL WELFARE MINISTER HANDED OVER THE PENSION SCHEME TO BENEFICIARIES

Shillong, November 03, 2012: Meghalaya Social Welfare Minister, Mr. J A Lyngdoh today handed the pensions under the Chief Minister’s Special Assistance Scheme for infirm, widows and disabled at a function held at St. Paul Secondary School Hall, Marbisu, East Khasi Hills which was organized by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Meghalaya. The function was also attended by the MDC, Mr. K Khyriem, Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Mr. T Dkhar, Director, Social Welfare, Mr. H M Shangpliang beside others.

Under the Scheme, beneficiaries from area were given assistance of Rs. 500 per month. These beneficiaries were clubbed under three categories – Infirm, Disabled and Widows.

Speaking at the function, Mr. Lyngdoh praised the Chief Minister for his foresight. Saying that this scheme is the brainchild of the Chief Minister, he also added that the scheme is an innovative idea which has turned the tears of the beneficiaries into pearls. Saying that the Chief Minister has a heart of gold, adding that this is a commendable step but more needs to be done to ensure the social security of the people. He further said that the schemes initiated by the Government of India are ‘half done’. “When we try to implement these schemes in the State, we run into a lot of problems,” Mr. Lyngdoh said. He also informed those gathered at the function of the Central Scheme called the Rashtriya Swastya Bima Yojana (RSBY) which provides insurance coverage to BLP families. He also urged upon the beneficiaries to work hand in hand with the Government so that more schemes can be implemented for their benefit.

Others who spoke on the occasion included MDC, Mr. K Khyriem, Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Mr. T Dkhar, Director, Social Welfare, Mr. H M Shangpliang and Ms. C Kharkongor, Commissioner of Disabilities.

Earlier, Mr. Lyngdoh also inaugurated the basketball court at Mawngap Rim which was attended by the local residents of the area.