CM’s inclusive mantra for governance

SHILLONG: Conrad Sangma’s inclusive methods have already earned accolades from his Cabinet colleagues, especially those who had experienced “dictatorial ways” of Mukul Sangma.
The chief minister on Friday took this to another level when he said that his government would welcome ideas from everyone – from low-rung officials to legislators.
In reply to the debate on the governor’s address, the chief minister said, “We are here to listen. We are here to discuss and deliberate. We are all part of the same team. We are here to think differently.”
According to Conrad, he would abstain from denouncing officers and ministers as he wanted to be a part of the solution and not the problem.
“We are equal stakeholders in the process of governance,” he said.
Later, replying on whether the schemes of the previous government will be continued, Conrad reiterated that “ways will be explored to improve the existing schemes of the previous government”.
“We are not here to find faults with anybody – the officials or the past government. If the government in the past has made good policies, it is our duty to continue. We are not to stop anything good happening but yes, we can find ways to improve it,” he said.
He, however, added that the government will review all programmers and policies under various departments, which “is a heavy exercise.”
As for the Integrated Basin Development Programme, he informed that he had asked the State Planning Board to give him the complete details about it and its pros and cons.
“We are involved with state planning board. I have asked for a white paper on the programme was well as other programmes in the state,” he said.
A programme may be changed “only if it does not serve its purpose”.
“We are not here to stop but to review the programmes and find ways and means to improve and enhance it. There is no reason for us to stop a programme abruptly. All programmes will be reviewed,” Conrad said.
Adding importance to quality instead of quantity, Conrad indicated that “I am not here to do so many things, but to do things differently.”
He also highlighted the priorities of the government which include education and health among others.