Union minister reviews central schemes in Meghalaya

Shillong: Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar on August 25 visited East Jaintia Hills to review the progress of the implementation of various central government schemes.
The minister noted that the schemes are performing well in Meghalaya. She stated that some schemes are doing well, like MGNREGA with a 99% success rate. 
“Last year, we received a budget of Rs 33 crore for MGNREGA, benefiting more than 25,000 households. This year, we are providing the budget as per the increased demand,” she said, adding that MGNREGA is particularly successful in the East Jaintia Hills District. The Minister also commended the department’s work.
Discussing PM Awas Yojana, aimed at providing houses for the needy, the minister said the budget sanctioned covers 882 households. Pawar informed that efforts are on to allocate additional budget for more pucca houses.
She also appreciated the implementation of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) in the district, which supports people through Self Help Groups (SHGs). Stating that SHGs are a positive government initiative, Dr Pawar said that malnourished children are identified through the SHGs for health checkups by the health department in remote areas. 
Pawar further highlighted that the Public Works Department allocated Rs 126 crore last year for constructing a 39-km road connecting eight villages. This road will benefit residents along the India-Bangladesh border and is targeted for completion within the next year and a half, added the minister.