The Federation of Meghalaya Self Help Groups & Mahila Mandals (FMSHG&MM) has demanded that the Meghalaya government immediately clear 15 months of pending bills related to the supply and transportation of food items under the Social Welfare Department.
Addressing media persons in Shillong on Monday, the federation said that hundreds of women-run Self Help Groups (SHGs) across the state are now facing serious financial difficulties due to the prolonged delay in payments.
Assistant General Secretary of the federation, N Warbah, said the organisation is grateful that the government entrusted SHGs with the responsibility of distributing food items for ICDS projects. However, she said repeated attempts by the federation to resolve the issue internally have not received any response from the authorities.
Warbah stated that the payments have remained pending from the third quarter of 2024 until the fourth quarter of 2025, placing a heavy financial burden on the groups.
She explained that payments linked to Aadhaar beneficiaries are being processed through the POSHAN Tracker, while dues related to non-Aadhaar beneficiaries have remained unresolved.
According to the federation, the delay has become even more difficult due to the outdated transportation charge of only 0.40 paise per beneficiary per kilometre per day, which is no longer sufficient to cover rising operational costs.
As a result, many SHGs are struggling to manage fuel costs, labour payments, transportation expenses and other logistical commitments, making it increasingly difficult for them to continue their services.
Warbah said the situation has caused pain, frustration and helplessness among the women groups that are working at various blocks and ICDS projects across Meghalaya.
The federation also criticised the Directorate of Social Welfare Meghalaya, alleging that instead of clearing the pending dues, the Additional Director advised SHGs to discontinue their services if they were unable to bear the financial burden and warned that other groups could replace them.
Warbah described this response as a serious administrative failure and insensitivity, stating that it places unfair pressure on volunteers who are helping to implement important public welfare schemes.
Calling the issue a statewide crisis affecting grassroots service providers, the federation has urged the government to issue a clear assurance that all pending payments related to non-Aadhaar beneficiaries will be released before the first quarter of 2026 begins.
The federation further appealed to the government to act with urgency and compassion so that the dignity, survival and continued work of women Self Help Groups in Meghalaya are not put at risk.