People defy bandh call, join Republic Day celebrations
TURA/SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has launched the ambitious plan of the government “Destination Meghalaya” with a special thrust on education, health care, hospitality and investment on renewable natural resources to commensurate the potentialities of the State and its people.
“In order to achieve the plan, investment in relevant sectors will have to be up-scaled to develop strong human resources with special focus on skilled workforce and increased vegetative coverage across the State,” he said while addressing the 66th Republic Day programme at Tura on Monday.
According to him, the plan would not only attract investment to generate employment but also help address the environmental concerns.
While dwelling on the government’s initiatives in the education sector, the Chief Minister informed the gathering that the process for establishment of two Engineering colleges has been initiated and that sanction for the permanent campus for the State’s technical university — Captain Williamson Sangma University — was under process.
Informing that a project with ADB funding support has been taken up for Human Capital development, he said “Government will further encourage and support appropriate private investments to make Meghalaya an education destination.
Stating that health sector is an important sector not only to provide access to quality healthcare for the people but also provide opportunities for young students who aspire to be in medical and para-medical professions, Sangma said that establishment of two Medical Colleges in the State and Nursing schools in all the districts was under progress.
He said establishment of a super-speciality hospital on PPP mode and promoting private investment in medical sector would help project Meghalaya as destination for healthcare facilities and medical education.
The Chief Minister also stressed on the need to promote hospitality sector where the State has inherent strength and there are huge potentials for generating employment opportunities for the educated youth.
“However, there is a need to create a congenial peaceful environment to encourage the guests from outside to visit the State”, Sangma said adding that the challenges of connectivity, too has to be addressed.
Reiterating that sustained peace and order are prerequisites for development, the Chief Minister said that there is no issue that does not lend itself to solution through meaningful engagement and reconciliation.
In his speech, the Chief Minister also mentioned signing of peace agreement with ANVC and ANVC-B.
No effect of bandh call: People on Monday defied a bandh call given by the proscribed HNLC and joined the 66th Republic Day celebrations in the state capital amid tight security on Monday.
Though shops and commercial establishments throughout the city remained closed during the bandh period, but a large number of people thronged Polo Ground and Khyndailad to witness Republic Day parade and musical programme respectively. People from all age groups were seen enjoying every bit of the Republic Day celebrations with flags in their hand.
Members of the Shillong Round Table which is a Shillong chapter of Round Table India also took active part in the celebration by distributing free Indian flags, sweet and water to all the public both in Parade ground and Khyndailad Point.