Shillong, March 5: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma distributed cheques worth ₹2,849.9 crore to beneficiaries of the three C&RD Blocks of East Garo Hills Samanda, Songsak, and Dambo-Rongjeng under the Green Meghalaya and FOCUS+ schemes. The event was held at the Williamnagar Police Parade Ground and attended by Marcuise N. Marak, Minister for Soil and Water Conservation, PHE, and Housing; Nihim D. Shira, Co-Chairman of Meghalaya State Planning Board; Deputy Commissioner RP Marak; Superintendent of Police Stephen A. Rynjah; government officials, public leaders, Nokmas, and other dignitaries.

In his address, Chief Minister Sangma highlighted the state’s infrastructural and economic progress over the past eight years. He thanked the Central Government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for support and noted that Meghalaya ranks second in economic development after Tamil Nadu. He emphasized the government’s focus on sustainable, all-round development and encouraged community participation.

Sangma also stated that over ₹150 crore had been spent under the FOCUS scheme in the last five years. He announced that the registration period for FOCUS+ benefits would be extended by another two years to support more beneficiaries.

Minister Marcuise N. Marak noted that under “Our Magnificent Meghalaya, Vision 2032”, the state has experienced significant infrastructural and economic growth. He shared plans for a new Horti-Agri College at Dawagre in East Garo Hills and said the cabinet had decided to provide government employment to sports personalities achieving state laurels.

Deputy Commissioner RP Marak highlighted that more than 900 beneficiaries in East Garo Hills would receive the second installment under FOCUS+, and 150 villages had been covered under Green Meghalaya for payments related to ecosystem services.