AI SummaryChief Ministers Special Rural Development Fund (CMSRDF) is a Meghalaya government scheme that generates wage employment and creates useful public infrastructure through community participation at the grassroots level. It is made for residents of rural and semi-rural areas and helps build assets such as roads and community buildings, with projects selected by local MLAs and NGOs to improve regional development.
Chief Ministers Special Rural Development Fund - Introduction
Chief Ministers Special Rural Development Fund (CMSRDF) generates wage employment and creates socially and economically useful public assets by getting people involved at the grassroots level. The scheme has been under implementation since 2000-2001 as part of the special rural works programme.
Projects under this fund vary in nature and are selected by local MLAs and NGOs. These projects are implemented through village durbars and beneficiary organisations under the supervision of the respective Deputy Commissioners of the District.
Works that can be taken up under this scheme include the construction of rural roads, footpaths, footbridges, drainage systems, and culverts with hume pipes. Improvements for water sources, community halls, multi-purpose buildings, and rural electrification are also covered. The fund supports the construction of school buildings, playgrounds, and the purchase of specific equipment such as mortuary vans, ambulances, school buses, and oxygenated fish transport vans. Eco-friendly and new project ideas are also encouraged.
Proposed projects should not be highly technical in nature. Project cost should be kept low by making sure the community contributes. This scheme is for rural and semi-rural areas only.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Chief Ministers Special Rural Development Fund (CMSRDF) |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Infra |
| Beneficiary State | Meghalaya |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual |
| Sub Category | Rural services |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| Nodal Department | Community & Rural Development Department |
| Tags | Construction of Rural Roads, Footpaths, Footbridges, Hume Pipes |
Benefits
CMSRDF offers several clear benefits to rural communities in Meghalaya.
- CMSRDF promotes direct community participation, so activities are carried out by local people rather than commercial contractors.
- Involvement is made easy through village durbars, local committees, and beneficiary organisations.
- All funds should be kept in designated savings bank accounts, and the interest earned should be reported to the State Government regularly.
- Implementing organisations should clearly display project details on the construction site or equipment.
- The scheme provides long-term support for Local Area Development.
Eligibility
To take part, a project must be identified by the local MLA. All implementing agencies and NGOs must open a joint bank account, operated by two members, to receive fund releases. For example, if two members represent a local committee, they must jointly manage the account.
If the sanctioned fund is more than ₹50,000, the concerned Block Development Officer releases the amount in 2 installments. This fund cannot be used for land compensation, staff salaries, or general office expenses.
A use certificate must be given to the Block Development Officer for all drawn amounts. If the use certificate for the first installment is not submitted and the second installment is not claimed within three years, the project is treated as closed and the funds must be returned to the Directorate. Citizens and Self Help Groups (SHGs) are encouraged to contact their local MLA to start the application process.
Application Process
CMSRDF is an offline scheme. Follow these steps to apply.
STEP 1 - Make sure the project is identified and proposed by the village community, local MLA, or partner organisation. Submit the proposal along with a detailed plan, estimated costs, and quotations to the Chief Minister's Secretariat.
STEP 2 - Any proposal missing detailed plans, estimates, or required quotations will be returned to the proposers by the Chief Minister's Secretariat.
Documents
The following items are required to process a request.
- A bank account jointly operated by two authorised members.
- A use certificate for previously drawn funds.
- A completion certificate supported by clear photographic evidence of the work done.
References
Guidelines on Meghalaya Government Portal
CMSRDF Guidelines PDF
FAQ's
Is a contractor allowed under CMSRDF?
No, the scheme encourages direct community involvement.
What is the mode of payment in the scheme?
Implementing agencies and NGOs must open a bank account, jointly operated by two members, to which funds are directly released.
Is the fund allowed to be used for land compensation or for payment of salaries and office expenses?
No, the fund is strictly for assets and development works.
Are proposals without plans, estimates, or quotations accepted?
No, all proposals must include detailed plans and cost estimates to be considered.
What is the process to apply for the scheme?
Proposals, identified by the village community or local MLA, are submitted along with detailed plans and estimates to the Chief Minister's Secretariat.