Shillong, July 2: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today reiterated that governance must ultimately serve the people, stating that development is meaningful only when it directly improves citizens’ lives.He made these remarks while addressing a felicitation programme organised by the Joint Action Committee to acknowledge the government’s One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme for commercial vehicles.
During the programme, organisers felicitated the Chief Minister along with Deputy Chief Ministers Prestone Tynsong and Snaiwbhalang Dhar in recognition of their role in implementing the scheme.
Addressing the gathering, Sangma noted that while politicians are often criticised when expectations are not met, appreciation for decisions that positively impact lives is rare. “When there is a problem, politicians are seen as the biggest villains. But when solutions are delivered, very rarely are those efforts acknowledged. That is why this felicitation means a lot to us,” he said.
Emphasising the government’s philosophy, Sangma said development is not limited to large infrastructure projects but must go hand-in-hand with improving the lives of ordinary citizens. “For us, development is not just about big roads, buildings, or stadiums. Every decision must translate into real impact in the lives of our people. That is the true measure of governance,” he added.
Highlighting the significance of the OTS scheme, the Chief Minister said the government took a bold and difficult decision to write off nearly ₹850 crore to ₹1,000 crore, prioritising the welfare of thousands of families over revenue considerations. “This was not an easy decision. That revenue could have been used elsewhere. But we realised that nearly 16,000 truckers and their families, almost two lakh people, were directly affected. We made this decision keeping them in mind,” he said.
Responds to Critics
Responding to critics who accuse the government of focusing only on large-scale projects, Sangma asserted that such views present only a partial picture. “Yes, we are investing in big infrastructure. But we are equally committed to people-centric decisions, whether it is resolving long-pending issues of teachers, supporting farmers, or empowering entrepreneurs,” he said.
The Chief Minister underscored that transformative governance requires both visionary infrastructure and grassroots interventions. “Big projects send a message that Meghalaya is ready and capable. But the real success lies in how these initiatives improve everyday life,” he remarked.
He also acknowledged the role of Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong in championing the concerns of the transport community and bringing the proposal forward.
Calling for collective responsibility, Sangma urged stakeholders to work together to ensure financial discipline and avoid future backlogs, while assuring that the government will continue strengthening systems and processes. “We are not perfect, but we are committed to learning, improving, and keeping people at the centre of every decision. With the support of our citizens, we will continue moving Meghalaya forward,” he said.
