SHILLONG, Jan 10: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the government has decided not to go ahead with the inauguration of 50 new projects to mark the 50 years of Meghalaya’s statehood on January 21.
He had earlier announced that his government was gearing up to inaugurate 50 projects to mark the golden jubilee.
“We have decided against the proposal due to the current prevailing situation. Instead, we have listed close to about 300 projects that will be unveiled throughout the year,” Sangma told reporters Monday.
He said it will be more meaningful if there is more local participation during the inauguration of these projects, adding that the people themselves can witness the actual importance of these projects.
“It is also for this reason that we decided not to inaugurate all the projects in one go,” the Chief Minister said.
Sangma said two important projects will be unveiled on this auspicious occasion and they will be announced on January 21.
He also said the state government has decided to hold the golden jubilee celebration of Meghalaya’s statehood but on a smaller scale.
The programme will be held at the JN Sports Complex, Polo from 11 am and only 3,000 people will be allowed to attend. “Different programmes will take place at different times,” Sangma said.
He further said they will be adhering to the protocols of having only 30% attendance during the event. Other districts will not be organising any separate programme in view of the COVID-19 situation.
“All other districts will participate in the Shillong programme online. This has been finalised,” he said.
The Chief Minister also said the government is awaiting the official confirmation from the PMO if Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the Statehood Day celebrations.
“We have not got any final word from the PMO yet. But the programme is being planned accordingly,” he said, adding that the finer details of the programme will be worked out once the PM’s participation is confirmed.