TURA, June 10 - Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma graced the function organised to interact with the Self Help Groups (SHGs) of the Garo Hills region today at SMELC Conference Hall here. The programme was organised by National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) Shillong.
�Meghalaya is a rural economy, and I believe an economy if it has to move forward, there should be a balance between growth and sustainability and utilisation of resources in balanced manner�, said the Chief Minister while addressing the group of SHGs of the region. Therefore, in order to promote rural economy there is a need to focus on the people living in these villages and thereby upscale the economic condition of the people of the region, he added.
Stating that there is abundant availability of natural resources in the region, he said that we should practise what we are good at and also find out how to materialise the available raw materials of the area. Stressing on the importance of the SHGs, the Chief Minister said that these SHGs have the capacity to bring the effort of the individuals to collective responsibility and help each other in the group for greater interest of the members of SHGs of the region. Further, it could also help to mobilise more financial responsibility to the people, the chief Minister said.
He informed that since the time he joined as the Chief Minister of the State, out of 11,000 SHGs, only 200 have bank linkages but at present there are about 4,000 bank linkages among the SHGs in Garo Hills region.
Emphasising his desire to revolutionise the SHG Movement in the region, he directed the Block Development Officers of the region to put their mind and heart in bringing the movement forward and also to be passionate and work with dedication to make a difference in people�s life.
Commissioner and Secretary, C&RD Department, Meghalaya, P Sampat Kumar highlighted the importance of the SHG Movement and the vision and mission of building this movement across the State in general and region in particular. He also informed that revolving fund is also being given to the SHGs to maintain the activities of the group and also help to upscale the economic status of the people. During the programme, Community Investment Fund (CIF), were also distributed to respective Village Organisations of the five districts of Garo Hills and selected Community Cadres were also awarded by the Chief Minister.
Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Community and Rural Development, IR Sangma, Commissioner and Secretary, Community and Rural Development department, P Sampath Kumar, CEO, National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Shantanu Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, WGH Ram Singh, Deputy Commissioner, EGH Swapnil Tembe, members of SHGs of Garo Hills region were among others present at the function.
