Shillong, Feb 20: Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Nimuben J. Bambhaniya, visited several key facilities across the state on Wednesday.
Bambhaniya expressed satisfaction with the progress of various government schemes, particularly those focused on rural development, healthcare, and child welfare. She encouraged local stakeholders and authorities to continue their diligent efforts to ensure that the benefits of these programs reach every eligible citizen.
“The collaborative efforts between the state government, local communities, and national initiatives are key to the success of these programs. I am confident that the work we are doing today will create lasting improvements in the lives of the people of Meghalaya,” said the union minister.
Bambhaniya began her visit at the Rynjah State Dispensary, where she interacted with healthcare professionals including doctors and nurses. She reviewed the quality of services provided to local residents, especially those from nearby areas. The minister emphasized the need for continued efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and services, ensuring the well-being of all residents.
The union minister also visited the Anapurti Grain ATM at the Fair Price Shop in Rynjah RR Colony. This innovative automated grain dispensing system, introduced in 2023, is the first of its kind in the North East. Designed to provide subsidized food grains efficiently, the system allows beneficiaries to collect their entitlements through biometric authentication, ensuring transparency and accuracy in distribution.
Interacting with National Food Security Act (NFSA) beneficiaries, Bambhaniya observed the smooth online transactions carried out by recipients. The initiative, a partnership between the Department of Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Meghalaya and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), has been hailed as a breakthrough in food security.
In Mawdiangdiang, the union minister inspected the Bharat Nirman Rajiv Gandhi Seva Kendra (BNRGSK), which plays a crucial role in the administration of rural development programs such as MGNREGA and PMAY-G. During her visit, she reviewed the facility’s expansion, which increased from an initial 710 sq. ft. to 1,474 sq. ft., thanks to the support of the local Dorbar Shnong.
The minister commended the collaboration between the state government, local bodies, and community members in ensuring that the center caters effectively to rural development needs.
Bambhaniya also interacted with Anganwadi workers and children at Mawdiangdiang Anganwadi Center. She discussed early childhood development and the critical importance of nutrition and support for maternal and child welfare. The Center’s efforts in providing nutritional support and developmental programs were lauded, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving the lives of young children in rural areas.
The union minister also highlighted the efficient implementation of the PMAY Housing Scheme as a significant step toward improving living conditions for rural families during her visit to Mawkasiang village. She was inspecting homes constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G). These houses, completed within the stipulated time, were built for beneficiaries Deisha Warbah and Dismolin Warbah.
At Mawkasiang, Bambhaniya also visited the government-run Children’s Home for Boys in Mawkasiang, a facility that currently cares for 31 children. The children, placed through the Child Welfare Committee, come from various backgrounds, including single-parent homes, domestic violence situations, and homelessness. The minister inspected the home’s dormitory, dining room, and music room, urging the importance of treating these children with compassion and care as if they were their own.
The union minister also stopped at Diengapsoh PHC in Umroh Village, where she assessed the functioning of the Village Health Committee (VHC). Bambhaniya praised the efforts of the VHC in promoting health services, such as immunization, screening for tuberculosis, and counseling for non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes. She was particularly impressed with the village’s achievement of 100% immunization and institutional deliveries during the previous financial year.
During her visit, the VHC shared their success in conducting two health camps, one of which was combined with a 100-day TB campaign. The minister applauded the collaborative approach between local bodies, the Health Department, and the community for improving public health outcomes.
On Tuesday, the union minister visited Ri Bhoi to review the progress of various central- government projects and schemes in the district. She held a meeting with state government officials at the Ri Bhoi District Commissioner’s office, where she discussed public welfare issues and gathered feedback on the implementation of government schemes.
The union minister also visited the pineapple processing unit in Umling Block, where she interacted with farmers and discussed ways to enhance agricultural processing and income. Additionally, she visited the Lay-By Market in Dulongmar, where she engaged with local traders, farmers, and entrepreneurs to promote ‘Vocal for Local’ mission.
Bambhaniya also inspected development works under the MGNREGA scheme in Erapkan, Umling Block, and interacted with workers to understand their concerns. Furthermore, she reviewed the ongoing Jal Jeevan Mission project in Kynñon, ensuring clean drinking water provision to every household, and discussed its impact with local residents.
