Shillong, May 05: As part of the nation-wide celebration, the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihood Society (MSRLS), a nodal agency of the Department of Community and Rural Development Department, Government of Meghalaya, celebrated the Gram Swaraj Abhiyan’s “Ajeevika and Kaushal Vikas Diwas” here today at the Multi-Use Convention Centre, NEHU, Shillong which was graced as the Chief Guest by Sniawbhalang Dhar, Minister, State Community and Rural Development.
Speaking during his Inaugural Address, Minister, Sniawbhalang Dhar iterated that every member of the Self Help Groups (SHG) and Village Organizations (VO) needs to cooperate, unite and work tirelessly in whatever task they undertake, big or small, as they are the core ethics needed for the success of any venture in an organization, so that in turn they can become job creators for the unemployed in the state.
He also stated that one should work hard and should not want to earn money easily, as money earned without hard work vanishes. He further insisted the members of the SHGs and VOs that patience is the need of the hour that each of them needs to develop and that they should endure difficulties as part of life to become successful. He also pointed out that they should seek help on what they need, by approaching the concerned government authorities, so that their needs could be met.
In her Keynote Address, I.R Sangma, CEO, Meghalaya State Rural Livelihood Society (MSRLS) listed several schemes and programmes initiated by the central government including the Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, saying that these schemes aim to bring social harmony, women empowerment and development to the villagers, especially the poor, thus improving their livelihood and eliminating poverty.
Awards were also given to best performing Self Help Groups (SHG), Village Organizations (VO) and individual small firms at the occasion, besides the distribution of sanction orders for release of Community Investment Funds (CIF) to 17 Village Organizations during the Inaugural Session.
Among the dignitaries present in the function include R.S Chatterjee, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Shri R. Ryntathiang, Under Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, G.S Lyndem COO, DDU-GKY, Shri D. Kumar, Chairman, Meghalaya Rural Bank and Shri S.F. Lyngdoh , COO, MSRLS.
