James T Khulu speaking at the culmination programme of WDC-IWMP/PMKSY, Batch 111 Project 1V held at Hopongkyu Memorial Hall in Kiphire town on December 14. (Morung Photo)
WDC-IWMP/PMKSY culmination prog held in Kiphire
Morung Express News
Kiphire | December 14
The Department of Land Resources (LRD), Kiphire organized culmination programme of WDC-IWMP/PMKSY, Batch 111 Project 1V at Hopongkyu Memorial Hall with James T Khulu, SDO (C) as guest of honour on December 14. It was attended by beneficiaries from 11 villages.
Speaking at the programme, James T Khulu on behalf of the people of Kiphire congratulated LRD on successful completion of the project under the leadership of Ahozhe Sema, Deputy Director, LRD. Expressing hope that the department will continue to carry on the good work in uplifting the livelihood of the farmers, the SDO (C) urged upon farmers to sincerely and honestly implement the project.
Stating that the government with the vision to improve the livelihood and economy of the rural farmers has introduced various schemes and projects under different departments, he however expressed concern that Nagas in general do not sincerely execute the project in the ground.
He called upon farmers to avoid from duplication of work “as schemes and project taken up by various departments is for our own benefit and not of department.”
Giving the keynote address, LRD, Deputy Director, Ahozhe Sema said the culmination programme was supposed to take place in March but due to the outbreak of COVID-19, it could not take place, however he thank the beneficiaries for putting up with the department thus far.
He said in every payment, small percentage of fund is keep aside and deposited in WDF fund and with the completion of the project fund is been handed over to the beneficiaries. Out of the fund released, he said that 30 % of the fund is for office maintenance; meeting and travel expenses of Watershed Management Committee members and other 70% of the funds are for the maintenance of different assets taken up by the department.
At the same time, he stated that SHGs can also avail small amount of loan under the fund for harvest of seasonal crops at the nominal rate of 2% which has to be repaid back within 6 months.
In order to maintain proper record of the utilisation of the fund, he said management committee has to maintain register as there will be social audit only after which 50% of the remaining fund can be withdrawn.
Calling on the beneficiaries to judiciously make use of the fund, he said, “when department is giving you all help and assistance beneficiaries should take the opportunity and improve one’s own livelihood and economy.”
Sharing their experience, Phisami Council Chairman thanked the department for personally supervising the farmers in implementing the project as of which villagers has tremendously benefited from it.
Stating that previously before the coming of the LRD, villagers were unaware of various schemes and programmes he said that today Phisami today has more than 500 fishery pond and in the coming years can supply fish to Kiphire district.
Also sharing experience, Thangthure Village chairman said that with the help and assistance from LRD in cardamom harvesting today villagers are earning a good amount in sustaining their livelihood.
During the programme, checkbook for 11 villages was handed over to the council chairmen's by James T Khulu SDO(C). It was chaired by Alin, WDT and vote of thanks delivered by Shenshangtong WDT.
