Within 20 days, we received 22,000 applications for CM-Elevate — so many that we had to close the portal temporarily. – Conrad K Sangma, Chief Minister
Shillong, Feb 26: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has asserted positive impact of the government employment programmes, claiming that the various schemes have already started yielding results.
Meghalaya’s young demographic profile demands sustained interventions and schemes such as FOCUS and CM-Elevate are already yielding results, the Chief Minister said while responding to a query from Trinamool Congress legislator Dr Mizanur Kazi.
In reply to the Rajabala MLA’s query if current level unemployment pointed to any policy failure, the Chief Minister said, “To jump to a conclusion that policy is a failure would not be correct. If you look at surveys, they differ — 6.0 in 2022-23 and 6.2 in 2023-24 in the periodic labour force survey, and 3.1 in CMIE’s estimate. These are based on sample size (so the numbers vary).”
He cited interventions that and noted that 3.66 lakh jobs had been generated in recent years.
“Maybe we have not yet fully fulfilled the goal, but it is a process and we are on the right track,” he said.
The chief minister stressed that Meghalaya’s population was uniquely young. “About 50% of our population is below 20 years. I am not giving an excuse, but realising these challenges, we have to bring more programmes for jobs through different missions.”
On the FOCUS scheme, Sangma said Rs 140 crore had been sanctioned to 22,500 producer groups, benefiting 2.1 lakh people, while FOCUS+ had reached another 1.5 lakh beneficiaries.
“Farmers have benefitted. A lot of them have given testimonies that because of the money they got, their production has improved. We will ensure more impact in the future,” he added.
Asked about accessibility of self-employment schemes, Sangma pointed to CM-Elevate, a flagship umbrella programme covering entrepreneurship, tourism, sports, wellness and other sectors.
“Within 20 days, we received 22,000 applications — so many that we had to close the portal temporarily. People can apply through the Meghalaya One portal,” he said.
On digitisation of employment exchanges, he replied that while he did not have the exact status, “every aspect of governance is moving towards digitisation, and steps are being taken to digitise the employment exchange too.”
To a question from East Shillong MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh on grievance redressal, Sangma highlighted the CM-Connect platform.
“Dial 1971 and you can get information on any scheme. If you file a complaint, it goes to the joint secretary or nodal officer, and the dashboard reflects it in my office. If a file is pending for 10 days, it turns red, and the issue is addressed. It ensures accountability,” he said.
“I assure the House that schemes and programmes will have more impact in the days to come,” Sangma concluded.
