Meghalaya CM lays foundationfor improved facilities at Ïewduh

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, on Wednesday, laid foundation for Improvement of Infrastructures and Public Amenities Project at Ïewduh, the traditional and religious Khasi market here in Meghalaya.
Speaking during the occasion, Sangma recalled his visits to Ïewduh as a young boy and said that even after three decades there has been no major development that has taken place in Ïewduh.
Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Prestone Tynsong, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Urban Affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Minister Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh besides the Syiem and the members of Hima Mylliem were also present in the function.
“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,” Sangma said.
“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 every day to earn their daily livelihood,” he said.
Informing that the government has already initiated the process of improvement of Ïewduh amounting to about Rs. 5 Crore in the first phase, Sangma said the foundation for second phase of Improvement of Infrastructures and Public Amenities Project at Ïewduh amounting to about Rs. 14 crore funded by North Eastern Council.
Moreover, the Chief Minister said that the DPR for the third phase amounting to about Rs 20 crore is also being prepared.
Urging the shopkeepers and vendors of Ïewduh to take ownership and to maintain cleanliness in the market, the Chief Minister said, “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.” Touching on CM Urban Livelihood Grant, Sangma said the idea of the scheme originated during his visit to Ïewduh 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.