Tura, 31 Aug: The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma, today inaugurated the CM Connect Centre – Tura at P.A. Sangma Stadium, West Garo Hills, marking a milestone in citizen-centric governance. Immediately after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Chief Minister visited the CM Connect office and personally received the first complaint from a citizen, symbolising the government’s commitment to direct and meaningful engagement with the people.
In his address, the Chief Minister emphasised that the CM Connect programme is not just a scheme, but a vision to bridge the communication gap between the government and the people. He said the initiative is about cultivating a mindset among political leaders, officials, and bureaucrats to always remain connected with citizens and to ensure governance that is responsive, transparent, and accountable.
The Chief Minister explained that CM Connect uses multiple mechanisms to facilitate public engagement, including call centres, WhatsApp groups, chatboxes, and a dedicated website where citizens can register their concerns and seek solutions. He stressed that beyond technology, personal interaction remains central to the programme, as he often uses regular government programmes as opportunities to directly engage with people, listen to their voices, and give them the platform to share their problems openly. “Every programme can become a CM Connect programme when we give the microphone to the people,” he said, underscoring the importance of two-way communication.
Highlighting the inclusiveness of the initiative, the Chief Minister announced that grievances can be expressed in multiple languages including English, Hindi, Garo, Khasi, Jaintia and Pnar, ensuring that no community is left unheard. Agents will assist citizens in registering grievances and ensuring that they are directed to the appropriate departments for redressal. He further added that a officer will monitor technology-related issues, and an automated system will provide citizens with regular updates on the progress of their complaints.
Looking ahead, Conrad K. Sangma shared the government’s plan to expand the initiative by setting up CM Connect Centres in all 56 blocks of Meghalaya, with smaller offices in block headquarters and larger, fully staffed centres in district headquarters. These centres, he said, will be especially important for those who are not tech-savvy or unable to attend programmes, ensuring that every citizen has a space to bring forward their issues. “The idea is not only to address grievances but to create a culture of continuous dialogue, where government remains in constant touch with its people,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister concluded by reaffirming that the CM Connect Centre is a platform to build trust, empower citizens, and ensure that development is guided by the real concerns of the people. “Without listening to the voices of our citizens, we cannot take the right decisions. CM Connect is about listening, engaging, and responding effectively,” he said.
Thomas A. Sangma, Hon’ble Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, also addressed the gathering, praising the initiative as a bold step towards bringing governance closer to the people. Earlier, the event began with a project briefing by Banteilang J. Kharshandi, MCS, Nodal Officer for CM Connect and later a welcome address by Vibhor Aggarwal, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, followed by a cultural performance by Cherang and Tengba.
The inauguration of the CM Connect Centre – Tura marks the beginning of a new era in Meghalaya’s governance, where citizen voices are placed at the heart of decision-making, and the government commits to building stronger connections with its people at every level.
