Shillong: In a significant step toward rural financial empowerment, the Meghalaya government announced a series of sweeping reforms on January 30, including the establishment of a new cooperative society to benefit over 500,000 Self-Help Group (SHG) members across the state.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma unveiled the Kong Pla Tangka Cooperative Society, which will serve as the apex institution for women’s SHGs, offering enhanced financial services and capital access through a cooperative model.
He highlighted the remarkable expansion of the SHG network since 2018, growing from 4,000 groups to 51,674, with membership rising from 40,000 to 520,000. “This network now facilitates a capital flow of Rs 1,000 crore into the rural economy,” Sangma stated.
The cabinet also approved an increase in the Meghalaya Contingency Fund to Rs 1,000 crore and passed amendments to four key service rules, addressing administrative inefficiencies in accounts, local fund audits, electricity regulation, and food and civil supplies.
In another key decision, the government appointed Col Darryl Hopkins (Retd.) as Director of Sainik Welfare, replacing Col GK Rai, whose term has ended. Hopkins was selected from a shortlist of four candidates recommended by the Selection Committee.
These reforms mark a significant push towards strengthening financial inclusion and streamlining governance in Meghalaya.
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