The Government of Meghalaya has ushered in the festive cheer by disbursing an advance payment of one month's salary and pensions, directly benefiting a vast section of the state's workforce and retired personnel. This timely move, announced on Friday, is aimed at enhancing Christmas and New Year celebrations across the state.
Substantial Financial Release for Festive Boost
Vijay Kumar D, the Commissioner and Secretary of Finance for the Meghalaya government, revealed that the finance department has made a total release of Rs 1,602.9 crore in December from state resources. This marks a significant increase of 30.8% compared to the previous year's corresponding period. The primary objective is to enable citizens to partake in Christmas festivities without financial constraints.
The advance payment covers approximately 50,000 state employees and over 30,000 pensioners. Furthermore, the government has extended this benefit to all casual and contractual employees working across various state departments. In a parallel move to clear pending dues, contractors' bills for both major and minor works have also been released for all works departments, ensuring liquidity in the system.
Additional Funds for District Councils and Welfare Schemes
Beyond the salary advance, the state administration has taken steps to address salary arrears in autonomous district councils. Kumar stated that additional funds amounting to Rs 255.5 crore have been released in the current financial year to the three district councils. This allocation is specifically intended to facilitate the payment of current salaries as well as a few months of pending salaries for their staff.
The government also ensured the smooth functioning of its welfare schemes. Alongside releases under various flagship state programs, a sum of Rs 23 crore was disbursed to 92,051 beneficiaries under the Focus+ scheme. This disbursement was executed efficiently through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring the funds reached the intended recipients directly.
Greetings from the Leadership
Commissioner Vijay Kumar D extended warm Christmas and New Year greetings to the citizens of Meghalaya on behalf of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who also holds the finance portfolio. This financial initiative, coupled with the festive greetings, underscores the government's intent to share the season's joy with its employees, pensioners, and the wider public, providing a tangible economic stimulus during the holiday period.
