Staff Reporter
SHILLONG:
The former chairman of Mawmaram Integrated Village Cooperative Societies (IVCS) Fairson Kharjana said on February 25 that the IVCS was a recipient of the ‘Meghalaya Celebrating Entrepreneurship’ award of Rs 3 lakh on October 28, 2022, at State Convention Center.
However, he was told by the office of the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority that the award money is a loan, and he would have to wait for instructions from the office for its implementation.
Having received ‘the award’ of Rs 3 lakh, which he said has been turned into a loan, Kharjana has expressed his doubts regarding FOCUS and whether this scheme was a loan or grant.
Moreover, the office of Basin had reportedly promised Rs 25,000-50,000 to those undertaking piggery. Kharjana informed that interested residents were enthusiastic and built sheds, only to be disappointed as they received Rs 5000 instead of the promised amount.
He opined that clarity was required on the matter regarding the nature of FOCUS, and whether those availing such schemes were to expect grants or loans. He similarly expressed reservations regarding the Producer Groups scheme, also part of FOCUS, under which beneficiaries will receive Rs 5000.
“Will the people be able to repay or not? We think that we have received an award, but after two weeks from the date of receiving this award, the department said that it is a loan and reimbursement,” he said.