Shillong, Aug 13: Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, today, laid foundation for Improvement of Infrastructures and Public Amenities Project in Iewduh, funded by NEC and also distributed cheques of CM Urban Livelihood Grant to Beneficiaries from Iewduh. Also present were Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister, Urban, Sniawbhalang Dhar and Minister, Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare etc Ampareen Lyngdoh besides the Syiem and the members of Hima Mylliem.
Speaking during the occasion, Chief Minister recalled his visits to Iewduh as a young boy and said that even after three decades there has ben no major development that has taken place in Iewduh. “This lack of development in this most important economic centre of the State does not go with the overall economic growth story of our nation and of our state. All the infrastructures being built in the state, the 10 Billion dollar economy we are trying to achieve will mean nothing if we cannot change the livelihood of our common citizens, if we cannot make a difference in the lives of families who work hard everyday to earn their daily livelihood,” he said.
He further informed that the government has already initiated the process of improvement of Iewduh amounting to about 5 Crs in the first phase. “Today we are gathered here to lay the foundation for the second phase amounting to about 14 Crs funded by NEC,” he said.
The Chief Minister also said that the DPR for the third phase amounting to about 20 Crs is also being prepared. He urged the shopkeepers and vendors of Iewduh to take ownership and to maintain cleanliness in the market. “This is our market and while the government and the Hima Mylliem do our part, it is your responsibility to keep Iewduh clean so that it becomes one of the most beautiful markets not only in Shillong but the entire North East,” he said.
Talking about the CM Urban Livelihood Grant said that the idea of the scheme originated during his visit to Iewduh in May. “The idea is not of only giving money through this scheme but the larger message is of dignity of labour. This is a way of government telling you that what you are doing is also very important and that the government is with you to enhance your livelihood,” he added.
He further elaborated that registration of the vendors with Hima Mylliem for this scheme is important to create a database and a structured system for the implementation of this scheme and announced that this scheme will be expanded to other markets in the urban areas of the state.
It may be mentioned here that under the CM Urban Livelihood Grant a one time assistance of Rs 10,000 is given to registered vendors to help them enhance their livelihoods by way of material procurement, infrastructural establishment and improvement etc.
