Shillong, Mar 8: The Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government on Tuesday organized a special ceremony to mark the completion of 4 years in office at U Soso Tham Auditorium here wherein Chief Minister made a special mention of the day being International Women’s Day and praised the two top women administrative officers of the state.

“(I) Would like to wish all the women of our state Happy International Women’s Day. It is the most appropriate time and year because on 50 years of Meghalaya statehood, two top administrative positions are held by women – the Chief Secretary and Special DG who are both women and indigenous tribe. It’s a great year and memorable 50th statehood,” said Sangma.

Mentionably, MDA completed its fourth year in office on March 6, 2022 but the programme to celebrate the same was organised on Tuesday (March 8, 2022).

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister informed that the state has made strides in several areas whereby its improvement index has gone up in areas like implementation of PMGSY, drinking water and self help group. He also mentioned that the State’s overall spending has also increased by 33% from Rs 10,000 cr to Rs 15,500 cr.

At the same time, he remained humble as he recalled that things were not easy for the government in these four years especially with a global challenge like the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, however, he said several programs like a number of development activities, infrastructural projects, programs for youth and women were taken up.

“Despite the difficulties MDA govt was able to improve the development index in every sector. While we speak about the achievements, we can’t say we achieved everything… we have done our best and we have seen changes taking place in the education, health and many sectors. One can’t say or expect for us to change all the challenges in four years,” the Chief Minister said.

Programmes launched

Befitting to the occasion, a colourful programme was lined up for the celebration, wherein the Chief Minister along with ministers also launched various citizen welfare programmes.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday along with the council of ministers released a booklet titled “Meghalaya on the move”, a report to the citizens on completion of four years of the MDA Government.

Released the Report to the Citizens, a booklet that marks the MDA Government’s achievements, initiatives & interventions in the last 4 years. Happy to release the #MeghalayaOnTheMove booklet with my Cabinet colleagues today. pic.twitter.com/JNO4POWEeP

— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) March 8, 2022

The Chief Minister also launched Meghalaya’s 1st Early Childhood Development & Maternal Health Helpline ‘14410’ which aims to connect mothers with the nearest Govt healthcare facilities for timely support in areas that concern child nurturing & wellbeing of both mother & child.

Happy to launch Meghalaya’s 1st Early Childhood Development & Maternal Health Helpline which aims to connect mothers with the nearest Govt healthcare facilities for timely support in areas that concern child nurturing & wellbeing of both mother & child@PMOIndia @mansukhmandviya pic.twitter.com/27F0pV0CfF

— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) March 8, 2022

The Chief Minister’s Safe Motherhood Scheme which aims to accelerate reduction in maternal mortality in the State was also launched in presence of Health Minister James K Sangma. He also launched the ASHA Payment Gateway, an initiative to digitize the incentive payment process for the ASHAs.

On #4YearsOfMDA Govt, launched the CM’s Safe Motherhood Scheme which aims to accelerate reduction in maternal mortality in the State. Also launched the ASHA Payment Gateway, an initiative to digitize the incentive payment process for our ASHAs@mansukhmandviya pic.twitter.com/uliW6kjBlN

— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) March 8, 2022

During the programme Chief Minister along with Urban Minister Hamletson Dohling and other ministers also launched the Aspire – 2 and Skills Meghalaya Programme – an initiative of the government for the youth to equip them for the world of tomorrow.

Glad to launch the Aspire 2 and Skills Meghalaya programmes- our interventions for the #Youth of Meghalaya to equip them for the world of tomorrow.#MeghalayaOnTheMove#4YearsOfMDA@PMOIndia @MundaArjun pic.twitter.com/VSoZ5JVvB5

— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) March 8, 2022