Tura, May 8: Meghalaya Chief Secretary D.P. Wahlang on Tuesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting in Tura, West Garo Hills, to assess the implementation and progress of key government schemes across the Garo Hills region.
The review focused on a wide range of central and state initiatives spanning housing, infrastructure, education, health, social welfare and digital inclusion.
Schemes discussed included the Prime Minister Awas Yojana (Urban and Rural), NHIDCL infrastructure projects, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, Mission Education, Aadhaar coverage and seeding with NFSA ration cards, MHIS, and various social security schemes under the Labour Department like PM-SYM, PMSBY, and PMJJBY.
While reviewing the PMAY, Wahlang addressed persistent challenges such as poor network connectivity affecting geo-tagging, issues with beneficiaries residing on government land, and Aadhaar seeding delays. He stressed that “no household should be left behind” and urged Deputy Commissioners to ensure full coverage under the housing scheme.
An update from NHIDCL officials highlighted steady progress on the Tura–Dalu and Dainadubi–Darugre road projects. They also reported that the Baghmara–Shillong road is nearly complete, reducing travel time to just six hours. Welcoming this development, Wahlang said it would enhance access to Balpakram National Park for visitors from Khasi Hills, and called on the Forest Department to upgrade the park’s guesthouse infrastructure to attract more tourists.
Regarding the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the Chief Secretary instructed the Planning Department to coordinate with the CM Solar Mission for better convergence and to work swiftly toward meeting the scheme’s targets.
Wahlang also urged all Deputy Commissioners in the Garo Hills to intensify Aadhaar enrolment and seeding efforts to ensure citizens can access entitlements under various welfare schemes. He called for a revival of the Rural Information Campaign (RIC) by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations to raise public awareness on government initiatives.
Highlighting the significance of social security programmes and health schemes like MHIS, Wahlang encouraged departments to publish success stories showcasing their impact on the lives of the poor and marginalised.
During the meeting, Commissioner and Secretary Pravin Bakshi emphasised the urgency of Aadhaar enrolment, warning that no extensions will be granted beyond June 30, 2025. He also underscored its importance for availing benefits under NFSA and ICDS.
Secretary of Education, Swapnil Tembe, shared updates on the implementation of Mission Education in Phases I, II, and III, which includes infrastructure upgrades for schools in the region. Principal Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Sampath Kumar briefed the gathering on the status of the Meghalaya Early Child Development Mission.
