Shillong: As part of the celebration of North East Festival, 2022 and Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District conducted a SHG Mela cum Financial Literacy Camp Monday at Tirot Sing Memorial Secondary School, Mawkdok under Khatarshnong – Laitkroh C&RD Block, East Khasi Hills.
Gavin M Mylliem, MLA graced the inaugural programme as Chief Guest and Laloo, DC East Khasi Hills as the Guest of Honour.
In his inaugural address, Gavin M Mylliem said that the purpose of the programme is to provide a platform for the SHGs in promoting and showcasing their unique products and also to interact with fellow SHGs in exchanging knowledge and ideas among themselves.
He opined that the Khatarshnong – Laitkroh Block attracts a large number of tourists and the SHGs should take full advantage of the tourist footfall by using unique features and techniques such as qualitative packaging and branding which can uplift their economic condition further which will ultimately lead to a sustainable livelihood and development.
Mylliem urged upon the public to come forward and enrol themselves for Aadhaar as it is beneficial in availing various schemes from the government. He also enlightened the gathering to take active part in the financial literacy camp so as to enable them to avail benefits in the form of financial aids, interest free loans, etc which will be beneficial in the long run.
During the programme, the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour distributed cheques amounting to Rs 10 lakhs to 10 Village Organisations (VOs) under Vulnerability Reduction Fund and Rs 22.5 lakhs to 30 SHGs and also felicitated Anganwadi workers who were on Covid – 19 duty.
Others who were present included D Hynniewta, Project Director DRDA, L Kynjing, ADC I/c Sohra Civil Sub Division, P S Tynsong, BDO Khatarshnong – Laitkroh C&RD Block, R Kynta, COO, MSRLS among others.
