SHILLONG:
The state government continued with its aggressive rural welfare push with Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, on November 21, inaugurating C&RD Block at Namdong in West Jaintia Hills District and distributing livestock to promote sustainable livelihood.
Speaking at the inaugural function, the chief minister said that the creation of the new block will bring good governance closer to the people. “The new C&RD Block will ensure schemes are utilised to the maximum for the development of villages. In line with the aspirations of the people, the new Namdong C&RD Block will open new avenues of progress for the villages and its people,” he added.
Sangma said that despite challenges and financial constraints, the state government has been able to mobilise resources to push development and initiate welfare projects.
“As a government, we have initiated projects that were pending for several years. Our government has accelerated the momentum of growth and development. In the past 4.5 years, the state has witnessed significant improvements in various development indices,” the chief minister added.
He told the gathering that the block office will start functioning with immediate effect. “Administrative reform is important. Block offices can do much more. We are making a move by making amendments in the services that the blocks in the state can provide.
With adequate and trained personnel we will introduce various services that are usually done from Sub-Division or DC offices from the block. We will make those reforms for the benefit of the people,” he stressed.
During his visit to Namdong, the chief minister also inaugurated the Namdong CHC and laid foundation stone for the upgradation of the Jowai-Nartiang-Kdiap-Khanduli road and for the Greater Mukhnang Lumrot Water Supply Scheme. The upgradation of the Jowai-Nartiang-Kdiap-Khanduli road will further connectivity and support the daily commute and economic activities of the people.
The Greater Mukhnang Lumrot Water Supply Scheme envisages to solve the water issues in the area and ensure supply of potable water for households Both these projects will be a big blessing to the people.
Moreover, under the Rural Backyard Piggery Scheme, ‘PROGRESS’, 388 piglets (3 females and 1 male each) were distributed to 97 farmer households in West Jaintia Hills District. The ‘PROGRESS’ scheme aims at ensuring sustainable livelihood of farmers through different livestock farming activities. This scheme is envisaged to benefit 10,000 poor and marginal farmers as well as increasing pork and poultry production in the state. Also, high yielding variety of Kuroiler poultry birds were distributed to 41 beneficiaries.
Others who accompanied the chief minister were Urban Affairs Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and MLA Wailadmiki Shylla.