Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 275/14

CHIEF MINISTER SOCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME AT MYLLIEM BLOCK

“A new scheme, the Chief Minister’s Wedding Assistance Scheme will be launched soon whereby orphaned girls of marriageable age can apply to meet part of their wedding expenses”, announced the Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr Mukul Sangma today during the Mass Enrolment drive under the Chief Minister’s Social Assistance Scheme for the infirm, widows and persons with disabilities held at Baniun under Mylliem C&RD Block, East Khasi Hills District.

The function was also attended by Mr R V Lyngdoh, Government Chief Whip and local MLA, Mr Kennedy Khryiem, MLA, Ms Teilinia Thangkhiew, Chairperson KHADC and local MDC, Mr Sanjay Goyal, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District and Mr H M Shangpliang, Director Social Welfare among others.

It may be mentioned that the Chief Minister’s Social Assistance Scheme was launched in 2012 at Asanang in West Garo Hills. Under the scheme, financial assistance of Rs 500 per month will be given to each beneficiary. There is no age bar for persons with disabilities and for widows, however, to seek benefit for the infirm, a woman has to be 58 years of age, while a man should be 60 years old. The Chief Minister took special attention to inspect the enrolment so as to ensure that no deserving beneficiaries are left out.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mukul Sangma said that the launching of the CM’s Social Assistance Scheme is a demonstration of the commitment of the Government to fulfill the aspirations of the people and to ensure that the development agenda of the Government is benefited by the people. He said that all efforts are made to simplify the guidelines of the scheme by removing all hurdles so that it becomes more inclusive. He further informed that many people living in the rural areas are still not aware of the scheme hence special drives are being held at different blocks to create awareness and to bring the scheme to the doorsteps of the eligible beneficiaries. He also informed that 10 crore of additional fund has been sanctioned for the scheme

While appreciating the dedication and commitment the Anganwadi Workers of the Social Welfare Department, Dr Mukul said that all their grievances will be looked into and a proposal has been prepared for enhancing their remuneration.

Dr Sangma also spelt out a series of measures being taken by the Government to transform the socio-economic conditions in the rural areas and announced an ambitious cluster development project under the Livestock Mission where he informed that under the scheme, 5000 families are targeted for dairy farming and this will ensure surplus milk production and also create livelihood opportunities.

Later, Dr Mukul Sangma distributed token application forms to the beneficiaries at the function. Among others who spoke on the occasion were Mr R V Lyngdoh, Government Chief Whip and local MLA, Mr Kennedy Khyriem, Parliamentary Secretary, Ms Teilinia Thangkhiew, Chairperson KHADC and local MDC, and Mr H M Shangpliang, Director Social Welfare who delivered the welcome address.