TURA:
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, inaugurated the “CM Elevate” program in Tura, West Garo Hills, on October 13, with a dedicated Rs. 300 crores to support approximately 20,000 beneficiaries, aimed at enhancing entrepreneurship and generating job opportunities in the state.
Speaking on the initiative, Chief Minister Sangma emphasised the significance of promoting entrepreneurship, especially among the youth.
India possesses a large youth population, and to stimulate entrepreneurship in the state, the “CM Elevate” program has been introduced. Under this scheme, the government will provide grants of up to 75 percent, following specific criteria.
Chief Minister Sangma urged individuals to seize this opportunity and initiate business ventures that can create job prospects and foster an entrepreneurial spirit within the state.
He also highlighted the government’s support for youth through the “Yess Meghalaya” initiative, which has supported over 1000 groups in the past year. Additional financial assistance will be extended to more groups in the state.
The “Yess Meghalaya” initiative supports youth organisations in organising awareness and educational programs aimed at empowering society. The Chief Minister underlined the importance of engaging the youth in productive activities through this initiative.
Furthermore, Sangma revealed the success of the Meghalaya Grassroot Music Program (MGMP), which has supported over 1500 artists in the past year. Starting this year, the government will promote and support drama, folklore, and other cultural initiatives to showcase the diverse culture and tradition of Meghalaya under MGMP.
Addressing environmental concerns, Sangma highlighted the “PRIME” program, which provides financial support to youth, and emphasised the “Green Meghalaya” initiative. The latter encourages communities to protect and conserve forests and natural resources. The government will support Nokmas (local headmen) financially for their efforts in forest cover protection.
During the program, significant funds were distributed to village organisations and beneficiaries, promoting community investment and ecosystem services. The Chief Minister emphasised the government’s dedication to forest protection, releasing over ₹30 crores to communities in the past year. The government aims to cover approximately 50,000 hectares under this initiative and further expand forest protection efforts.
Beneficiaries of village organizations received Rs.1.05 crore under the community investment fund during the program, as well as Rs. 60,98,595 under the payment for ecosystem services. Beneficiaries received Rs. 9,30,00 as part of Yess Meghalaya’s first payment and Rs. 1,40,00 as part of its second tranche.