SHILLONG, Jan 27: A buoyant Governor Satya Pal Malik on Tuesday said that Meghalaya, in this decade, will progress to secure a spot among top-10 states, both in terms of per capita income and achievement of sustainable development goals.
The Governor was addressing the gathering during the Republic Day celebration at Polo Ground.
Stating that the law and order situation in the state continues to be peaceful, Malik said the state government is committed towards welfare of both tribal and non-tribal residents so as to ensure peace and harmony prevails, and the states sees an overall development.
“The overall law and order situation in the state continues to be peaceful. We began this decade with a vision and a promise of the Meghalayan Decade, a decade that would witness Meghalaya progressing to be among the top-10 Indian states within the next 10 years, both in terms of per capita income and achievement of sustainable development goals,” Malik said.
“The government, on multiple occasions, has already laid out the overall developmental paradigm for the short, medium and the long-terms to improve the well-being of each and every citizen of Meghalaya,” he added.
The Governor, during the programme, unfurled the Tricolour and took salutes from marching contingents comprising Central Reserve Police Force, Assam Regiment, NCC, District Executive Force and Brass Band of Border Wing Home Guards.
During the programme, Malik also paid homage to the freedom fighters, remembered the founding fathers of the Indian Republic, greeted the members of the armed, paramilitary and police forces, and expressed gratitude to the healthcare and frontline workers, who have been spearheading the fight against COVID-19.
He also dwelt at length about the socio, economic and political developments in state.
Malik, during the programme, also exhorted the citizenry to uphold constitutional values.
The Governor also handed over the U Tirot Sing Award for Arts & Literature to Raphael Warjri, Pa Togan N Sangma for Social Services to Rev. Dilseng M. Sangma and U Kiang Nangbah Award for Sports to Hame Shaniah Suiam.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, on the other hand, acknowledged the COVID-19 warriors and felicitated them.
The other highlights of the day’s celebration include song and tableaux presentation by the Office of the District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, District Agriculture and Horticulture Office, Mission Director, Swachh Bharat Gramin, Directorate of Health Services (MI) and Office of District Medical and Health Officer, Divisional Soil and Water Conservation (Territorial) Division, Divisional Forest Officer, Social Forestry and Superintendent of Fisheries.
It was the tableau of the DHS (MI) and Office of District Medical and Health Officer that bagged the first prize followed by Mission Director, Swachh Bharat Garmin, that bagged the second prize, while the third prize was bagged by Superintendent of Fisheries.
During the occasion, the recipients of President Police Medal for Distinguished Service were also announced.