Conrad Sangma Government decides to allow resumption of farming activities

Meghalaya Chief Minister  Conrad Sangma. (File Photo/Twitter)

Newmai News Network
Shillong | April 6

 Amidst the 21-day nationwide lockdown currently in force, the Meghalaya Cabinet has decided to allow resumption of farming activities while keeping in mind that this is the sowing season in the state.

“Farmers in rural areas will be allowed to resume sowing activities with immediate effect. Strict protocols to be maintained as prescribed from time to time by the Health department,” Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong informed on Monday.

It may be mentioned that last week, Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla wrote to Chief Secretary, MS Rao, drawing the attention of the state government to the Centre’s order of March 27, in which exception to lockdown measures have been allowed for agricultural purposes, keeping in view the harvesting and sowing season.

Bhalla, had directed the state government to allow harvesting and sowing operations, while maintaining social distancing.

Tynsong also informed that MGNREGA activities will be allowed to resume in respective villages in the State.

“Wages and the material components to the tune of Rs. 534.6573 crore have been sanctioned and released to the respective Block Development Offices for payment of wages and clearing the materials bills,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.

He also informed that the State Cabinet has decided that construction works (road construction) and other allied developmental programs sanctioned by the government in the last financial year will be allowed to restart from April 15.

The Cabinet also decided to allow the reopening of weekly markets in rural areas from the April 15, provided that strict COVID-19 protocols as prescribed by the Health department are adhered to.

Moreover, private transportation will be allowed to resume after the lockdown period ends.