Shillong, July 2: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said development has little meaning unless it directly improves the lives of people, asserting that governance should be measured by its impact on citizens rather than infrastructure alone.
Speaking at a felicitation programme on Wednesday organised by the Joint Action Committee to acknowledge the Government’s One-Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme for commercial vehicles, Sangma said the state government remains committed to balancing major infrastructure projects with people-centric initiatives.
The Chief Minister, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar, was felicitated by the organisers for the implementation of the scheme.
Addressing the gathering, Sangma observed that while political leaders are often criticised when challenges arise, recognition for decisions that positively impact people’s lives is uncommon.
“When there is a problem, politicians are seen as the biggest villains. But when solutions are delivered, very rarely are those efforts acknowledged. That is why this felicitation means a lot to us,” he said.
He stressed that the government’s vision of development extends beyond roads, buildings and stadiums, adding that every policy decision must translate into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.
Highlighting the significance of the OTS Scheme, Sangma said the government took a difficult decision to waive nearly ₹926 crore in pending dues, despite the financial implications, to provide relief to thousands of commercial vehicle owners and their families.
He said around 65,000 commercial vehicles have accumulated tax liabilities amounting to ₹1,043 crore, and the scheme aims to recover ₹117 crore while waiving the remaining dues. According to the government, ₹4.48 crore had been collected under the scheme as of June 26, reflecting a positive response.
The Chief Minister said the decision was taken keeping in mind nearly 16,000 truckers and their families, benefiting an estimated two lakh people across the state.
Responding to criticism that the government focuses primarily on large infrastructure projects, Sangma said the administration is equally committed to resolving long-pending issues affecting teachers, farmers, entrepreneurs and other sections of society.
He maintained that transformative governance requires both visionary infrastructure and grassroots interventions that improve everyday life.
Sangma also acknowledged Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong for championing the concerns of the transport community and helping advance the proposal.
Calling for collective responsibility, the Chief Minister urged stakeholders to maintain financial discipline and prevent future tax backlogs, while assuring that the government would continue strengthening administrative systems and keeping people at the centre of its governance agenda.
The OTS Scheme, approved on May 27 and launched on June 11, offers up to an 80 per cent waiver on Motor Vehicle Tax and Goods and Passenger Tax dues, along with a 90 per cent waiver on Fitness Certificate penalties. The scheme will remain open until August 31, 2026.
