Tura, Jan 26: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today outlined the comprehensive vision of the Government to accelerate growth and development.
Unfurling the national flag at Matchakolgre LP School playground at New Tura, he extended his greetings to the people of the State on the occasion of India’s 75th Republic Day.
Acknowledging the contribution of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders for India’s freedom, he said “We reaffirm our commitment to the ideals enshrined in our Constitution and pay solemn tribute to leaders like, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Sardar Vallabhai Patel and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. We also salute patriots from our own soil – U Tirot Sing, U Kiang Nangbah, Pa Togan N. Sangma and other unsung heroes”.
Key takeaways from his speech
Reflecting on the state’s progress in the past year, Conrad Sangma highlighted the peaceful law and order situation, successful resolution of the border dispute with Assam, and ongoing efforts to bring lasting peace to the region between Assam and Meghalaya with total cooperation of the Assam government.
The Chief Minister reiterated the commitment to open dialogue with the HNLC within the constitutional framework.
He also informed that the state has witnessed a rapid growth under the different departments of the government infrastructure like the Home (Police) dept, the Fire Emergency Services, the district-level police infrastructure and Police Housing which will also recruit 3000 vacant post in a short period from now.
Roads, water supply, power supply and IT will be a key focus in the state to achieve the long standing need of the people of the state said Sangma.
The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) which commenced in the year 2019 with fewer than 4,550 functional tap connections is now providing clean drinking water to more than 4.7 lakh households with a total coverage of 73.2% across the state. To ensure that water sources are sustained a detailed plan is in accordance to protect about 4,000 water sources.
The Ganol Hydroelectric Project which aims to provide uninterrupted power supply to every household in the State was completed in August 2023.
To align with the country’s ambition of transforming India into a 5 trillion US dollar economy by 2025, the Government has set the ambitious target of making Meghalaya a 10 billion US dollars economy by 2028, thereby doubling the 3 State’s GDP.
Along with the massive aims the State has, it has also witnessed big achievements in many fields, firstly the operationalized Raj Bhavan at Tura which was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Governor of Meghalaya Shri Phagu Chauhan on 12th January. Situated within a sprawling 28.45 acres plot and constructed at a cost of 24 crore rupees, the new Raj Bhavan is a fulfilment of the long-time aspirations of the people of Garo Hills.
Secondly, the maiden visit of the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu earlier in January at Tura, Baljek and Mawphlang during which she opened the 5th edition of the Meghalaya Games and interacted with members of women’s Self-Help Groups. The Hon’ble President also laid foundation stones for a number of crucial infrastructure projects like the Shillong Peak Ropeway, the Tura Integrated Administrative Complex, and Village Tourist Accommodations. She also inaugurated the newly upgraded Rongjeng Mangsang Adokgre Road and the Mairang Ranigodown Azra Road.
Thirdly, in a historic development, a life-size statue of U Tirot Sing which will unveil on 16th February 2024 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A high-level delegation led by Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister and comprising of senior cabinet ministers, senior officials, traditional heads, academics, artists, civil society members and journalists will be representing Meghalaya at the inauguration.
After 52 years of statehood Meghalaya finally adopted a State Anthem which celebrates the land, the people and their culture with emphasis on unity which was composed in the official languages as per the Meghalaya State Language Act, 2005.
Addressing the public, Sangma also talked about Meghalaya’s capital, Shillong, holds a 40% share of the state’s GDP. The Mawdiangdiang Administrative City in New Shillong is undergoing significant development, including the nearing completion of the Legislative Assembly building and plans for a new Secretariat Complex. A new Knowledge City is also in the works at Mawkhanu.
To enhance connectivity, a comprehensive plan is underway, including the construction of 3 new roads connecting different areas. The city is also adopting environmentally sustainable practices, introducing a fleet of 100 Electric Buses by 2025 and reclaiming the Marten landfill site using advanced bio-mining technology.
In terms of urban transformation, the Street Vendors Scheme and Act have been notified to regulate vending systematically. The ‘My City Campaign’ encourages community participation in urban beautification, including projects like Polo Riverfront, Ward’s Lake, and the Golf Course area.
The government is exploring air connectivity, planning flights between Shillong and major metro cities, and operationalizing the Baljek Airport. Efforts are also directed towards providing internet connectivity to every village in the State.
In the primary sector, agricultural achievements include significant exports, showcasing products in international markets, and setting up processing units, warehousing facilities, and cold storages. The state received recognition at the One District One Product Awards.
Meghalaya’s Self-Help Group network continues to grow, supporting livelihoods and employment in rural areas. Animal husbandry and fisheries are targeted for livelihood generation, with plans to increase fish production and provide training.
Tourism is a key growth driver, with various schemes supporting accommodation development and subsidies for luxury tourism vehicles. Local music culture and festivals contribute to attracting tourists.
The IT sector is a significant growth driver, with Tech Parks and PRIME Program supporting entrepreneurship. Meghalaya has been recognized as a ‘Top Performer State’ at the National Startup Awards.
The government is focusing on skill development, aiming to create a job-ready workforce. Social development plans encompass health, child welfare, education, sports, and social security services.
Improvements in healthcare, education, and sports infrastructure are evident. The government is addressing substance abuse and providing financial assistance under the CM CARE program.
Digital initiatives aim to make citizen-centric services accessible, with plans for a Family ID system. Meghalaya is committed to environmental conservation, allocating 15% of the annual budget for ‘Green Governance.’
The Chief Minister’s Solar Mission and water harvesting initiatives underline the state’s commitment to renewable energy and natural resource conservation.
The government’s vision is to bring improved infrastructure, public health, education, and livelihood opportunities to every citizen while conserving Meghalaya’s natural abundance and celebrating its cultural richness. The citizens are urged to contribute towards the growth and development of the state.
Environmental sustainability was a key theme, with plans for introducing 100 electric buses by 2025 and the initiation of bio-mining technology at the Marten landfill site.
Plans to enhance air connectivity, internet connectivity to every village, and the promotion of the primary sector were detailed. The state’s agricultural achievements, awards, and the growth of Self-Help Groups were emphasized.
The Chief Minister highlighted the potential of animal husbandry and fisheries in generating livelihoods, with plans to increase fish production by 10,000 metric tons.
Tourism’s role in driving economic growth was underlined, with schemes like Meghalaya Tourism Homestay and PRIME Luxury Tourism Vehicle Scheme supporting entrepreneurs.
The Chief Minister emphasized the success of the IT sector, ongoing initiatives like the Shillong Tech Park, and the creation of a Tech Park at Tura.
Entrepreneurship and job creation were focal points, with recognition at the National Startup Awards and ongoing support through programs like PRIME and CM-Elevate.
Plans for the Meghalaya Industrial & Investment Promotion Policy, aiming to attract about 2,000 crore rupees of investment, were highlighted.
Efforts to create a job-ready workforce through skilling programs, including the ‘Skills Meghalaya’ and ‘ASPIRE’ programs, were outlined. The Chief Minister announced the construction of a world-class Skills & Innovation Hub.
The Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to social development through initiatives in health, child welfare, education, sports, and social security services.
Healthcare achievements, including a 50% drop in maternal deaths and recognition for gender equity, were highlighted. Plans for medical colleges, upgrading treatment facilities, and the role of the Medical Recruitment Board were outlined.
Education initiatives, grants for People’s Colleges, and plans for the Captain Williamson Sangma State University were emphasized.
The Chief Minister underscored the importance of sports in youth policy, with mentions of the Meghalaya Games and athletes’ achievements.
To address challenges like substance abuse, the Chief Minister introduced the Drug Reduction, Elimination & Action Mission in 2023, providing financial assistance to vulnerable groups.
Technology-driven citizen-centric services, digitization of the public distribution system, and upcoming initiatives like the CM Connect Helpline were discussed.
The Chief Minister announced the introduction of a Family ID system to improve the delivery of government programs.
Meghalaya’s commitment to environmental conservation, including the Green Meghalaya program, water harvesting structures, and the Chief Minister’s Solar Mission, was highlighted.
The Chief Minister further affirmed the government’s dedication to balancing growth with conservation and preserving the cultural richness of Meghalaya. The citizens were urged to forge partnerships and contribute towards the state’s growth and development.
Read: CM Conrad Sangma unfurls National Flag at Republic Day celebration in New Tura
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