Focus+ Scheme Meghalaya – Complete Guide 2026

What is the Focus+ Scheme?

The Focus+ Scheme is a flagship livelihood support programme of the Government of Meghalaya. It targets the most vulnerable and poorest families in the state, providing comprehensive support including cash transfers, skill training, livelihood assets, and community-based support to help families graduate out of extreme poverty.

Focus+ is part of Meghalaya's broader efforts to address multi-dimensional poverty and is implemented through the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) and the Social Welfare Department.

Key Benefits

Exact amounts and components may vary by programme cycle.

Who is Eligible?

• Residency: Must be a permanent resident of Meghalaya
• Poverty status: Must belong to the poorest/most vulnerable families as identified through participatory wealth ranking
• Target groups: Widows, disabled persons, landless households, tribal families in remote areas
• Not receiving substantial benefits from other major livelihood schemes
• Selection is typically done through community-level identification (Gram Sabhas / village councils)

Documents Required

• Aadhaar Card
• Voter ID / residential proof
• BPL card or poverty identification certificate
• Bank passbook (Aadhaar-linked)
• Passport-size photographs
• Self-declaration form
• Village council/Dorbar recommendation (where applicable)

How to Apply – Step-by-Step

Community-Based Selection (Primary)

1. The programme is not open-application — families are identified through community-level participatory exercises
2. Village Dorbars (councils) conduct wealth ranking and identify the poorest families
3. Identified families are verified by the Block Development Office and MBDA
4. Selected families are enrolled and assigned a community facilitator
5. Families receive livelihood plans, cash support, and training

Self-Referral / Application

1. If you believe your family qualifies, visit the Block Development Office or Community & Rural Development (C&RD) Department
2. Express interest in the Focus+ programme
3. Your family details will be verified against the poverty identification database
4. If eligible, you will be included in the next programme cycle

Programme Duration

• Typically 18-24 months of active support per family
• Follow-up and monitoring for an additional 6-12 months

Important Tips

1. Engage with your village Dorbar — selection happens at the community level
2. Participate actively in training — livelihood assets are provided after skill training
3. Join or form an SHG — group-based support is a key component
4. Save regularly — the programme encourages savings habits
5. Maintain records of all support received for future reference

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I apply directly for Focus+?

A: Focus+ primarily uses community-based selection. You can express interest at the Block office, but selection depends on the poverty identification process.

Q2: What type of livelihood assets are provided?

A: Assets include livestock (pigs, poultry), agricultural inputs, weaving equipment, small business tools — based on the family's chosen livelihood path.

Q3: Is the cash support permanent?

A: No, cash support is provided for 18-24 months during the programme cycle to help families stabilise.

Q4: Can families from urban areas apply?

A: Focus+ primarily targets rural families. Urban poverty programmes may be separate.

Q5: Who implements the scheme?

A: The scheme is implemented by the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) in coordination with the Social Welfare and C&RD departments.

Q6: Is there any cost to the family?

A: No cost. All support — cash, assets, training — is provided free of charge.

Disclaimer: This guide is published by CitizenNest for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with the Government of Meghalaya. Visit meghalaya.gov.in for official information. Current as of March 2026.