Shillong, March 8: On International Women’s Day on Saturday, the Secretary of the Village Employment Council (VEC) in Khliehrangnah, West Jaintia Hills Bina Sungoh is remembered for driving rural transformation through sustainable livelihood initiatives.
With her leadership, she has advanced various development works particularly by integrating MGNREGS with non-Natural Resource Management (NRM) initiatives. Her efforts in integrating MGNREGS with agricultural initiatives have provided an alternative to coal-dependent jobs, improving economic stability for local residents.
Bina took over as Secretary of Village Employment Council since 15 May 2021 till date. Before that, she was the member of the Executive Committee since 2015 and was also a member of the SHG & group leader since 2016.
Bina spearheaded an innovative project aimed at land reclamation, converting 20 hectares of waste land into productive agricultural land. This initiative was part of the Aroma Mission, a partnership between MGNREGS, the Institute of Natural Resources Meghalaya, and CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow. She engaged women job card holders in the project, encouraging them to invest their wages in purchasing 500 kg distillation units to produce essential oils from lemongrass, citronella, and turmeric leaves, with the aim of developing small-scale industries at the rural level.
A working shed was built to provide a safe environment for the distillation process. Within just a year and a half, Bina’s leadership resulted in an impressive Rs 5.4 lakh in income from sapling sales and essential oils. More importantly, it generated stable employment for around 50 households, transitioning workers from coal mining to sustainable agricultural practices, with workers contributing for 25 days annually.
Bina’s initiative has not only spurred economic growth but has also been successfully replicated in 16 neighbouring villages. In the current financial year (2024-25), she has further expanded her community work with new projects such as community nurseries and vermi-composting, converting plantation waste into valuable resources through MGNREGS. Her dedication to generating employment has also led to the active involvement of women’s self-help groups in producing essential oils from lemongrass and turmeric, along with value-added products like essential soaps and scented cones.
To further her dedication to growth and empowerment, Bina attended an entrepreneurial development training on essential oils, natural fragrances, and aromatherapy, organised by CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow, at her own expense. She continues to mentor self-help group members in creating herbal teas and oil blends, empowering women within the village and beyond. Through her tireless efforts, Bina has proved to be a transformative leader, driving sustainable agricultural practices and creating a brighter future for her community.
