Raphael Warjri

At a press conference held at the Shillong Press Club, two residents of Laitnongkseh under the Sohiong C&RD Block addressed the recent suspension of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in their area.

Speaking to reporters, Purningstar Shabong stated that the 100-day employment scheme under MGNREGA has been put on hold. This, he said, has become a serious challenge for many residents, who rely heavily on the scheme for their livelihood. He highlighted that the Central Government's initiative, designed to generate rural employment, had also benefited Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Shabong further informed that construction of a Digital Library in the block, which was originally intended to be carried out by MGNREGA job card holders, was also halted due to complaints from a few individuals. The project is now being carried out by the office of the Block Development Officer. He said this shift has negatively affected many residents who are now left without a source of income.