Shillong, Apr 9: In a bid to witness the outcomes of various government initiatives at ground level, chief minister Conrad K Sangma visited Jatah and Syntung villages in East Khasi Hills districts on Wednesday.
During his tour of the two villages under Mawkynrew Block, the chief minister gained valuable grassroots inputs on a number of subjects, including farming, skill development, tourism development, and women empowerment.
At Jatah, Sangma interacted with beneficiaries of Jatah Nongklyer Integrated Village Cooperative Society (IVCS) and members of various self-help groups (SHGs), who shared their experiences about livelihood opportunities received through government interventions.
They, however, urged the chief minister to help set up a processing plant for value addition to their local produces.
During the interaction, he spoke at length about the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
“We want every section of our society to be involved as we take Meghalaya forward. A lot of intervention is being made particularly in rural areas, targeting women, youth, and the farming community,” he said.
Underscoring involvement of dorbars, SHGs, IVCSs, and other stakeholders, the chief minister said, “Shared responsibilities between different stakeholders will ensure that we build self-sufficient and resilient communities.”
He also encouraged the youth and women to actively participate in community-driven initiatives and take ownership of projects.
Lauding the efforts of Jatah IVCS, he said integrated models are examples of how rural economies can thrive through collective efforts in tourism, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.
“Our goal is not only to create infrastructure but also build institutions that can sustain livelihoods for generations. The role of SHGs, IVCSs, and village communities in this is central,” he said.
The chief minister was given a warm welcome with a lively song at scenic Syntung village. A music enthusiast, Conrad too jammed with the performers during his tour to Wah Rishi waterfall where the crystal-clear water provided a perfect setting for music.
Impressed by the band’s unique combination of guitars, violins, drums, and mandolins, he announced ₹5 lakh for purchase of new musical instruments.
“Music is not just culture—it is identity, it is expression, and it can be an economic activity. I am proud to be a member of this band today,” said the visibly happy CM.
In the village, he also interacted with beneficiaries of a strawberry plantation that produces some of the finest strawberries in the country and benefitting 115 local people.
Meghalaya produces 10 MT of strawberries annually in around 132 hectares of cultivations spread across different regions. The state’s yield accounts for about 4.26 per cent of the overall production in the country.
Interacting with beneficiaries of various schemes, the chief minister apprised them of CM-Assure, designed to provide relief to farmers affected by market price fluctuations.
The scheme aims at providing fair remuneration to farmers until the market price for a specific commodity stabilises or the allocated quota is met, he said.
After hearing grievances from various groups and individuals, he announced Rs 5 lakh for construction of an SHG office in the village.
Later, Sangma inspected Syntung Sub-Centre and expressed his appreciation for the work done by health workers in remote areas.
He also informed that the government is committed to upscaling health infrastructure and providing accommodation facilities for health department professionals.
Sangma also inspected Syntung football ground and Syntung Upper Primary School, which currently has 151 students and 8 teachers.
After an interaction with students and teachers, he appreciated the school’s efforts in providing holistic education.
He also announced ₹3 lakh under Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund (CMSDF) for purchase of musical instruments and assured financial support for infrastructure development.
