Nongstoin, Dec 3: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma engaged directly with the public at the CM Connect outreach program held in Nongstoin in West Khasi Hills on Tuesday, addressing a range of pressing local issues and reaffirming the government’s commitment to responsive governance.

This interactive initiative, part of a series of block-level programs, aims to bring governance closer to the people by creating a platform for open, two-way communication.

The event, attended by heads of various departments, community leaders, and village representatives from Nongstoin Block, allowed citizens to voice their concerns on critical matters such as infrastructure, health services, education, tourism, and rural development.

The Chief Minister assured the attendees of the government’s proactive approach to resolving their issues. He highlighted ongoing efforts to upgrade and expand health facilities across the state, including the announcement of plans to improve Nongstoin Civil Hospital. Additionally, he revealed that infrastructure grants will be extended to nonprofit organizations working to enhance healthcare services in remote areas.

On infrastructure development, he addressed demands for better roads and bridges, noting that road projects would be initiated under the CM Rural Connect Program to improve connectivity. He emphasized the government’s focus on bridging gaps in rural infrastructure as part of a broader strategy for inclusive development.

CM Sangma also underlined the state’s significant investments in sports, stating that over Rs. 1,000 crore is being allocated to build and upgrade sports infrastructure across Meghalaya. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring rural communities benefit from these developments, fostering talent and opportunities at the grassroots level.

Responding to requests for interest subvention for Self-Help Groups (SHGs), the Chief Minister assured the people that he would discuss the matter with the Union Finance Minister to explore feasible solutions. He also encouraged the enhancement of flagship schemes and development of tourism infrastructure, recognizing their importance in driving economic growth and job creation.

The CM Connect program in Nongstoin is the fifth such outreach initiative, reflecting CM Sangma’s vision of participatory governance. Explaining the program’s objective, Sangma said, “It’s not about this one hour where I will listen to your questions but it is about the impact it will have on the governance, on the governance machinery as a whole. Because our health officials will be ready with their reply, our PWD officials will be ready with their reply, the PHE department and like that all departments will have to do their homework, will have to prepare and will have to respond to your questions.”

He emphasized that CM Connect allows for two-way communication, unlike traditional government programs. “You never get an opportunity to speak in a government programme. Hence, CM Connect is a very special programme where the CM and officials come to you directly, you can ask questions directly and most importantly it is a two-way communication and not just one way communication where I come and give by speech,” he said.

Launched in February this year, the CM-Connect outreach programme has given an opportunity to the people to directly raise their concerns and grievances before the chief minister. “The platform (online, offline and IVS) is an initiative for the citizens to directly reach out to the government to air concerns, raise queries and provide suggestions. Through this platform, the government ensures participatory approach, by listening and responding with appropriate remedies,” the chief minister said.

He said that the platform is easily accessible, which is integrated with social media platform such as WhatsApp, and it bridges traditional communication methods with modern digital tools.

He said that the intervention is to ensure more responsive and inclusive governance.

The helpline number are – 1971, 18003456851 and 9436394363.

Nongstoin MLA Gabriel Wahlang, Mawshynrut MLA Methodious Dkhar, Rambrai Jyngam MLA R.G. Momin were also present in the programme.

On demand for playground at Mawthungkper village and skill based training for the youth, the chief minister informed that government has earmarked Rs. 10 Crore for construction of an artificial turf playground.

On the need to provide land to the government for establishment of development projects, the chief minister urged the community to partner with the government to set up different infrastructure for the interest of the community and the society at large.

During the programme, the chief minister also announced the construction of Maweit to Nongjri road. The sanction for which is expected in next three months. “This is an opportunity to open our borders for international trade especially for this region through this major road,” he said.

The CM also distributed M-Tabs to students of Nongstoin and also handed over the Community Fund amounting to Rs. 65.72 Lakhs to SHGs, VOs and CLFs.

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