He said the state have been engaged in this form of mining for last 200 years and livelihood is based around that and unless and until alternate forms of livelihood don’t come up people will keep going back to those activities.
He also said that the Meghalaya government have requested GoI to consider to set up CUET centres in all 12 (twelve) Districts of Meghalaya in the institutions which possess adequate infrastructure and testing facilities for CUET examination.
Sangma said during his official visit to the national capital, he would also meet the union education minister to discuss the issues related to the Common University Entrance Test (CUET).
Sangma emphasized that the entire Northeast region has its own distinct culture and societal norms, which should be respected and preserved. He also expressed that NPP will fight to protect the region's cultural identity, stating that they do not want it to be compromised.
CM Conrad Sangma said that the operational cost for the implementation of DREAM is ten crores per annum which works out to fifty crores for the next five years. “Different rehabilitation centers and detoxification centers will be established and NGOs will be financially assisted for treatment and rehabilitation and outreach programs,” he said.