Mawsynram, June 18: a Conference on Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guaranteed Act (MGNERGA) was held at Mawkasain village, Mawsynram C&RD Block, East Khasi Hills District. The conference was organised by the MSW 4th Semester students of Edmund’s College in collaboration with the office of the Block Development Officer of the same, sponsored by the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District from the Chief Minister’s Youth Development Scheme 2016-17, East Khasi Hills District.
Conferences have always had its focal in the urban sectors but there must be a shift to rural sector where this programme is actually implemented in, an opportunity to the letter sector will adequately nurture the content of the Policy relying on substantive facts. The significance of the conference was to assess and analyze the programme through sharing and discussion of the participants which centered on the Theme “Bridging the Policy with the Ground Reality (Jingpynurlong ia ka Sain Pyrkhat sha ka rukom I’m)”.
It also gave a platform to the beneficiaries to voice out their opinions, grievances and suggestions with regards to the programme. 10 Village Employment Councils (VECs) i.e. Mawlynnu, Mawryngkang, Mawhiang, Lumdiengan, Mawsynram Dongneng, Phlangwanbroi, Phlangmawsyrpat, Mawrapat, Mawsawa and Phudphanblei reigning from different circles of Mawsynram C&RD Block participated in the conference along with the VECs of Mawkasain village. The conference was moderated by Prof. A.K. Nongkynrih where each VECs gave a 20 mins presentation on topics ranging from Contribution made by MGNERGA towards development, The parrallelity of the Policy and the Ground Reality, Planning, Implementation, Challenges and Strategies, Gender participation and it’s contribution and Values and ethics in the pursuit of efficiency.
In the second half of the session Mr. Shanlang Lyngdoh who was one of the resource person addressed queries of the participants by briefing the guidelines and amended act of the programme in which these VECs has less knowledge of it. The presentation of the VECs help the moderator to comprehend their state, strength, weaknesses, Knowledge and condition and thereby suggesting them to further improve on the performance and addressing loopholes by studying and realizing the Policy and to work accordingly on those lines without being influenced by unauthentic force. Furthermore he suggested the students to follow up on the Conference and to assist the VECs in getting a copy of the Guidelines and amended act of the same.
