Shillong, Feb 14: Headmen of Ri Bhoi have sought the intervention of minister incharge community and rural development AT Mondal for inclusion of eight villages under Ri Bhoi district in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
After submitting a memorandum, the Synjuk Ki Phra Shnong (SKPS) said there is a need to create a special provision for the inclusion of the 8 villages under PMAY schemes. These include Umskun, Umshangling Umrangksai, Umlyngkdait, Lumbyrhing, Pahamrioh-Lum, Pahamrioh-Them, and Shangbangla in Ri-bhoi district.
The Synjuk said these villages which were previously under the jurisdiction of the Nongpoh Town Committee (urban) were excluded via notification on November 17 2020 but now that these villages are recognized as rural areas they should get the benefit from the PMAY schemes as they no longer fall under the urban classification.
“PMAY schemes aim to provide affordable housing for all and it is a vital program for addressing the housing needs of the population as the residents of the mentioned villages are in dire need of housing assistance and their exclusion from the PMAY is a significant hindrance to their access to such provisions,” it said.
The Synuk said that the creation of a special provision for the inclusion of these villages from the PMAY schemes is crucial for the development and well-being of the residents.
“We believe that this action will contribute to the overall socio-economic progress of the region and align with the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and development and this will ensure that the residents can benefit from the provisions made available for rural areas,” it said and urged the state government to take proactive measures for the inclusion of these villages in the PMAY scheme for ensuring that the residents are not deprived of the housing benefits intended for rural areas.
