Tura, Aug 30: Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, today, inaugurated the CM Connect Centre at the P. A. Sangma Stadium, Tura, West Garo Hills. The Centre will serve as a dedicated platform for citizens to directly dial “1971 – CM Connect” to raise their concerns, suggestions, and grievances for swift redressal.

The inauguration was also attended by Thomas A. Sangma, Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Vibhor Aggarwal, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Shri Banteilang J. Kharshandi, MCS, Nodal Officer of CM Connect, along with senior government officials, dignitaries, and representatives from the CM Connect and MyMeG teams.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that CM Connect is “not just a program, not just a phone number, nor just an office—it is an idea.” He explained that the initiative is built on the principle that the Chief Minister and the government must remain connected with the people. “If the head of the government is unable to connect with and understand the concerns of the people, it creates a communication gap. Such a gap may prevent us from resolving the issues that truly matter to our citizens and may result in governance that does not reflect their needs,” he stated.

He outlined how CM Connect will function through three key approaches. First, technology-driven outreach will allow citizens to raise grievances and seek information through the toll-free helpline 1971, WhatsApp services, chatbots, and the CM Connect website. These concerns will be recorded, monitored and forwarded to the appropriate departments for timely resolution.

Second, direct engagement with citizens will continue to be a cornerstone of the initiative, with the Chief Minister emphasizing that every public program he attends will serve as a CM Connect platform where citizens can share their concerns directly. “CM Connect is not about speeches—it is about listening. We may think we are doing the right thing but unless we hear from the people directly, we cannot truly know,” he remarked.

Third, physical CM Connect Centres will be established in all 56 blocks of the state. While block-level offices will operate on a smaller scale, district headquarters will house fully staffed centres to assist citizens. Over time, these centres will evolve into one-stop service hubs providing certificates, applications, government schemes, and other essential services.

The Chief Minister underlined that CM Connect is about fostering a culture of listening and engagement, ensuring that governance remains people-centric. Addressing the CM Connect team, he urged them to serve citizens with respect, kindness, and understanding.

“When you speak to the people, you are speaking on my behalf. Citizens who walk into the CM Connect office must feel welcome and cared for. If they feel ignored or disrespected, then the very purpose of this initiative is defeated,” he said. He concluded by reiterating his vision of making governance more accessible, transparent, and responsive through CM Connect, noting that while the journey will take time, the ultimate goal is to make every government service available through these centres.

After inaugurating the Centre, the Chief Minister took his seat at a desk to personally handle the very first complaint lodged at the CM Connect Centre.

In his address, Thomas A. Sangma, Speaker, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, called the inauguration “a moment of immense pride and joy” and said that the Centre marks an important milestone for governance in the region as well as the state. He emphasized that the CM Connect initiative was envisioned to bridge the gap between government and citizens, reaffirming the state’s commitment to grassroots democracy, transparent governance, and meaningful citizen engagement.

He added that the Centre will empower every section of society—villagers, youth, farmers, entrepreneurs, and community groups—by providing a platform to voice concerns, ask questions, and seek solutions directly from the administration.

Highlighting technology as the backbone of the initiative, he noted that CM Connect provides multiple ways for people to engage—through helplines, text, online platforms, and social media—ensuring issues are addressed transparently and effectively. He further remarked that the initiative strengthens the role of community volunteers and youth as the frontline of inclusive governance.

Earlier, Vibhor Aggarwal described the Centre as a landmark step in citizen engagement, noting that government services and schemes are citizen-centric in spirit and that the opening of a physical CM Connect Centre ensures that no one is left behind. He added that the initiative will strengthen last-mile delivery, motivate people, and bring governance closer to the grassroots.

Banteilang J. Kharshandi highlighted the journey of CM Connect since its launch on 15th February 2024. Conceived under the vision of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between citizens and the government regardless of geography, culture, or background. He explained that the program integrates multiple channels of communication—through the helpline and Meghalaya One portal, contact centres, block-level hearings, and village data volunteers—to ensure timely redressal of issues.

He informed that two toll-free numbers—1971, commemorating Meghalaya’s statehood year, and 1800-345-651—along with a dedicated WhatsApp helpline (94363-94363) provide citizens with multiple points of access. Services are available in five languages: English, Khasi, Garo, Pnar, and Hindi. A world-class call centre with 25 trained service agents operates daily from 8 AM to 8 PM, while 470 village data volunteers extend services to even the remotest areas of the state.

Since inception, CM Connect has recorded 38,266 citizen connects, with 31,891 of these being phone calls, and has successfully conducted seven community interaction programs in different blocks.

The CM Connect Centre in Tura is part of a broader effort to deepen citizen engagement and create a responsive, accountable system of governance across the state.

Also Read: 15 years on, Meghalaya students demand Horticulture College at Williamnagar

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