Tura, June 19: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today laid the foundation for the ₹156 crore Additional Secretariat Complex at Dakopgre, Tura, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the people of Garo Hills.
The chief minister termed the project a “historic milestone” and said it will bring government services closer to the people, reducing the need for residents to travel for administrative needs. “This is not just a building but a symbol of our commitment to the aspirations of Garo Hills,” said the chief minister as he expressed gratitude to the almighty and all stakeholders for the start of the project.
The complex, set to include offices for the Chief Minister, cabinet, Chief Secretary, and various departments, aims to streamline service delivery, with the CM’s complex targeted for completion by January 21, 2027.
The chief minister also briefed the gathering on the progress of the New Secretariat building project that is being constructed at Shillong with an estimated amount of Rs 1800 Cr.
“We are creating infrastructure, keeping in mind for the next 100 years. We want to ensure that administration is not just closer to the people but also easily accessible”, he added.
Emphasizing on the objective to ensure equitable development across the state, the chief minister said that his government has systematically planned intervention for districts and blocks.
“Be it new block offices, sub division building – old and new, district offices, health infrastructure, police infrastructure or Education, we have put our thrust for holistic development of the state”, he said.
Citing an example of development projects in South Garo Hills district which celebrated its 33rd foundation day on Wednesday, the chief minister said, “Everyone will be surprised to know that the new DC Office complex construction has just begun.”
The chief minister announced that his government has scripted a road map to achieve its target to ensure that Meghalaya is one of the best states in the country.
“Our government has sanctioned funds for all blocks across the State. Administrative office in district and blocks, including police infrastructure have been renovated. We are also strengthening health infrastructure across the State”, he informed.
The chief minister also took the opportunity to inform on the recently announced 900 Cr Tura bypass, which will decongest the Tura town.
“Shillong, Tura, Jowai, Nongstoin and Williamnagar— if we only develop towns and cities, we are not achieving our mission to make meghalaya developed, hence, our attention is to rural areas, district wise and constituency wise we are working with concerted efforts to develop”, he added.
“Bringing administration closer to people, it is not just a statement — but we mean it and are doing it in a systematic manner”, he added.
He also took the opportunity to inform on the ongoing constitution of Mini Secretariat in Jowai and Pynursla.
The foundation laying ceremony was attended by Speaker Thomas A Sangma, Dy Speaker Timothy D Shira, Dy CM Snaiwbhalang Dhar, Cabinet Ministers AT Mondal, Dr Ampareen Lyngdoh, Marcuise Marak, Shakliar Warjri, Rakkam A Sangma, Paul Lyngdoh, AL Hek, Comingone Ymbon and host of MLAs from Garo Hills.
The chief minister expressed his gratitude to all cabinet colleagues and political parties for supporting the vision and mission of the government for the development of the state.
