Shillong, Nov 10: In a significant initiative towards improving public service delivery and connectivity in East Garo Hills, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma laid the foundation stones for Rongjeng Civil Sub-Division Administrative Complex and Nengkhra-Gittim road on Tuesday.
In his address, Sangma said the government had been working to address long-pending infrastructure needs across Meghalaya, including the construction of civil sub-divisions, block offices, schools and roads.
The administrative complex will bring offices of the civil sub-division under one roof while Nengkhra-Gittim road is expected to improve connectivity for villages in Rongjeng area.
The Chief Minister asserted that visible changes had taken place in East Garo Hills and other parts of the state over the past eight years.
He also emphasised that infrastructure development has been complemented by schemes aimed at supporting students, women, farmers and youth.
Underlining expansion of administrative infrastructure in Garo Hills region, he said the construction of Additional Secretariat in Tura has begun.
The facility would bring key government functions closer to people and reduce the need for residents to travel to Shillong for official work, he said.
Sangma said the new Secretariat building in Shillong was also under construction and was expected to be completed by October or November 2027.
Highlighting initiatives for young people, he referred to schemes such as CM Elevate and CM Prime, besides scholarships, support for self-help groups and programmes for farmers and musicians.
He said the government was also investing in sports infrastructure, including what he described as the country’s biggest football stadium, being built in Shillong.
On the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), Sangma said the demand that only tribal people should contest and vote in council elections was legitimate, given the institution’s role in protecting tribal rights. He said the government had taken the decision with public support.
The chief minister stressed the need for unity and cooperation, saying these had helped Meghalaya maintain political stability and implement welfare schemes such as FOCUS Plus and scholarships.
He also announced Rs 3 lakh for the purchase of musical instruments after appreciating students from Rongjeng for their rendition of the National Anthem.
The programme was attended by the Rongjeng MLA, district administration officials, representatives of various departments, religious leaders, Nokmas, Sardars, students and members of the public.
