Shillong, Nov, 9: Fulfilling the long pending demand of the people of Rambrai in remote West Khasi Hills Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday inaugurated the Rambrai Community and Rural Development Block in presence of MLA Kimfa Sidney Marbaniang and MDC Bajop Pyngrope.
The Rambrai C&RD block is carved out from the Nongstoin C&RD block of West Khasi Hills. It will cover an area of 584.628 square km. It will comprise 109 villages with a population of 36148.
Rambrai is about 20 kms away from the District Headquarter of West Khasi Hills. The major communities in the area are Khasi and Garo.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the creation of the new block will ensure better governance at the grassroot level. He also said that through this block developmental activities will be upscaled and services of the government will be delivered in an efficient manner. “C&RD blocks are the most important administrative units when it comes to schemes and programmes. The blocks should be accessible to the people across the State. People of Rambrai had to face difficulties, as they had to travel to far off places for basic services of the government. The inauguration of the block will ensure that the services are brought closer to the peopleâ€.
He also informed that the government is coming up with a revised norm to facilitate applications for different certificates to be availed from the block offices. “People can apply for various certificates at the block level but applications will be processed at the sub division level,†he added.
Stating that the Rambrai area has been neglected for long, the Chief Minister said that through various interventions, the government is ensuring that the people reap the benefits of development in the State.
He said that the work for Nongstoin – Rambrai – Kyrshai road is underway and will soon be completed. “Due to poor road connectivity in the area, the people had to face a lot of hardship. We are ensuring that this important road link is completed,†he added.
The road is being constructed at a cost of Rs. 231 cr. He also told the people that the Rambrai PHC will also be upgraded to CHC and the foundation for the upgradation will be laid at the earliest. He told the gathering that a number of LP Schools under Rambrai have been either repaired or renovated recently and few will be constructed.
He also said that the Rambrai C&RD block will be fully functional from the temporary office, while the new building is being constructed.
During his visit to Rambrai, the Chief Minister handed over financial assistance through Meghalaya’s Biggest Farmers’ Welfare Program Focus and Focus Plus and distributed piglets and Kuroiler birds under Rural Backyard Piggery and Poultry Scheme “Progress†and financial aid to youth organisations under Yess Meghalaya and to Community Investment Funds to women led SHGs.