Williamnagar, May 27 : In a major push for grassroots development and welfare, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma spearheaded the launch of multiple initiatives in Dolwaregre, East Garo Hills, aimed at improving health, education, and economic support for citizens.
Speaking before a gathering of over 2,000 people, the Chief Minister distributed smartphones to Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), IIT-innovated Eco H2O water filters to Anganwadi Centres, and CM CARE cheques to beneficiaries including widows and senior citizens.
“Meghalaya was once among the poorest states. Though challenges remain, we are committed to clear targets and focused progress,” said Shri Sangma, calling for united community efforts to “transform our state.”
Paul Lyngdoh, Social Welfare Minister, informed that under POSHAN Abhiyaan, the government has procured more than six thousand mobile phones across the state to AWWs. He noted that more than 2600 mobile phones are being distributed in the Garo Hills region and overall, the government has accessed around Rs 6 crores of funding from the central ministry to be able to arrange the phones. The phones are being equipped with the ‘Poshan Chakra’ app to assist them in the weightage of pregnant mothers, adolescent girls, and children registered in Anganwadi centres – as there are a close to 4 lakh children beneficiaries, 70,000 pregnant and lactating mothers and 69,000 adolescent girls who are being given SMP through the Social Welfare Department.
Lyngdoh expressed his happiness at being able to connect with the public and the grassroots workers, terming them members of ‘Team Meghalaya.’
The cheques being distributed under the CM-CARE Scheme will be beneficial to widows, senior citizens who will be receiving an amount of Rs 750 per month through Direct Beneficiary Transfer (DBT), as well as the Social Welfare Department’s aim to target infirmed children by providing them with scholarships for studies and non-employment.
Additionally, as part of the programme, the Hon’ble Chief Minister, along with the dignitaries, inaugurated the extended building of St George Higher Secondary School at Dolwaregre, East Garo Hills, where the dignitaries took the initiative forward by distributing MTAB to the school students.
In a significant development, the Chief Minister announced an upgrade for the Tura Integrated Administrative Complex, with the project budget increased from Rs 30-40 crore to over Rs 150 crore. The design is complete, and the tender process has been finalized, he added. Additionally, he stated that work on the Rs 50 crore Tura Convention Centre has already begun.
