Tura, June 19: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday marked a “historic” milestone for the people of Garo Hills by laying the foundation stone for the Additional Secretariat Complex at Dakopgre, Tura.

The ambitious Rs. 156 crore project is a direct response to a long-cherished aspiration of the region’s populace.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Minister Sangma emphasized the significance of the day, stating, “It is a day for each one of us to remember. We should express our gratitude to Almighty. The Additional Secretariat Complex is not just a building complex but a testament to the fulfilment of the aspirations of the people.”

The Chief Minister highlighted that the new secretariat will significantly ease the burden on residents of Garo Hills who currently face challenges in accessing various government services. “The people can look forward that most government services will be delivered from Tura. Hence, this is a very important project for the state and particularly Garo Hills and its people,” he added.

The Additional Secretariat in Tura will comprise three complexes, with the Chief Minister’s complex targeted for completion by January 2027. “We aim to inaugurate the CM complex on 21st January 2027 and provide maximum services to the people,” Sangma announced. The complex will house offices for the Chief Minister, Cabinet members, Chief Secretary, other senior officials, and various government departments.

Sangma also provided an update on the New Secretariat building under construction in Shillong, a project with an estimated cost of Rs. 1800 crore. He stressed the government’s forward-looking approach to infrastructure development, aiming to create facilities that will serve the state for the next century. “We want to ensure that administration is not just closer to the people but easily accessible,” he stated.

The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to equitable development across Meghalaya, outlining systematic interventions planned for all districts and blocks. He cited ongoing efforts in constructing new block offices, subdivisional buildings, district offices, and strengthening health, police, and education infrastructure across the state.

He acknowledged past concerns regarding poor infrastructure in certain regions, notably mentioning that construction for the South Garo Hills DC Office complex has only just begun, despite the district celebrating its 33rd foundation day on June 18, 2025. Sangma affirmed that the MDA government has a clear roadmap to address these disparities and aims to make Meghalaya one of the best states in the country.

“MDA Government has sanctioned funds for all blocks across the State. Administrative offices in districts and blocks, including police infrastructure, have been renovated. We are also strengthening health infrastructure across the State,” he said. “Bringing administration closer to people, it is not just a statement — but we mean it and doing it in a systematic manner.”

The Chief Minister also informed the gathering about the ongoing constitution of Mini Secretariats in Jowai and Pynursla, underscoring that these administrative setups will ensure effective delivery of services to the people. He also mentioned the recently announced Rs. 900 crore Tura bypass, a project aimed at decongesting the town.

Sangma reiterated the government’s focus on holistic development, extending beyond major towns. “Shillong, Tura, Jowai, Nongstoin and Williamnagar — if we only develop towns and cities, we are not achieving our mission to make Meghalaya developed, hence, our attention is to rural areas, district-wise and constituency-wise we are working with concerted efforts to develop,” he affirmed.

The foundation-laying ceremony was attended by Speaker Thomas A. Sangma, Deputy Speaker Timothy D. Shira, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, Cabinet Ministers A.T. Mondal, Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Marcuise Marak, Shakliar Warjri, Rakkam A. Sangma, Paul Lyngdoh, A.L. Hek, Comingone Ymbon, and numerous MLAs from Garo Hills.

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