Ampati, Jan 31: The two-day 3rd Annual Conference of the Meghalaya Hajong Welfare Association (MHWA) was successfully held at Purakhasia, South West Garo Hills, on Thursday and Friday. The grand event concluded with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest on the final day.
The conference was attended by several esteemed dignitaries, including Ian Botham Sangma, MLA of Salmanpara; Sanjay Sangma, MLA of Mahendraganj; Subir Marak, MLA of Rangsakona; Rakesh Sangma, MDC of Babelapara; Deputy Commissioner of South West Garo Hills, Hema Nayak; and other officials from South West and West Garo Hills districts.
During the event, the Meghalaya Hajong Welfare Association submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister, requesting an increase in their current 5% reservation quota. As the fourth-largest tribe in Meghalaya, with a population of 85,000, MHWA emphasized that the existing quota is inadequate, especially as it is shared with other minor tribes.
Additionally, the memorandum highlighted the following key demands for the development and upliftment of the Hajong community:
1. Educational Empowerment – Scholarships and educational programs tailored for Hajong students.
2. Cultural Preservation– Support for initiatives to promote and safeguard Hajong traditions through festivals, workshops, and cultural exchanges.
3. Livelihood Opportunities– Development of programs focusing on agriculture, handicrafts, and small-scale industries to boost economic self-sufficiency.
4. Infrastructure Development – Improvement of roads, healthcare facilities, and connectivity in Hajong-dominated areas to ensure equitable growth.
The association also stressed the need for:
– A Hajong students’ hostel in Shillong.
– Approval of additional funds for the girls’ hostel construction at Akhongre, Tura.
– Ambulance services for the Purakhasia Anchalic MHWA.
– Annual funding for the preservation of Hajong culture.
– Construction of a river protection wall from Dhubakora, Puranbazar to Genapara.
– A hanging bridge connecting Genapara to Dhubakona via Sosanghat.
– MHWA office building construction at Sapthoka.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma acknowledged the Hajong community’s significant contributions to the state’s development and assured government support to meet their demands.
He announced Rs 25 lakh under the Chief Minister’s Assistance Scheme for the completion of the girls’ hostel. He also promised to provide an ambulance and sanction funds for the hanging bridge, pending discussions with local MLAs.
To support Hajong women weavers, he pledged assistance for textile development. On cultural preservation, he stressed the need for documentation through research, books, and audio-visual formats, ensuring future generations remain connected to their heritage.
“Attending such programs allows me to understand the community’s concerns firsthand so that we can work together towards the state’s progress and development,” said the Chief Minister.
Several dignitaries took the stage to acknowledge the Hajong community’s role in Meghalaya’s progress. Subir Marak highlighted the Hajong community’s impact in agriculture, weaving, civil services, and public administration. Ian Botham Sangma called for unity and cooperation from the community for the collective growth of Meghalaya. Rakesh Sangma praised the Hajongs as “farmers of the wetlands,” commending their contribution to the state’s agricultural sector.
The event was a celebration of Hajong heritage, featuring traditional skits, dances, and music. Exhibits showcased Hajong weapons, utensils, textiles, and model houses, providing a glimpse into the community’s rich cultural legacy.
The two-day conference marked a significant step toward empowering the Hajong community and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to their development and welfare.
