SHILLONG, Nov 21: Two more Community and Rural Development (C&RD) Blocks were unveiled on Monday, with Namdong C&RD Block in West Jaintia Hills being inaugurated by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, while it was notified by the government through a statement that Ri-Muliang C&RD Block in West Khasi Hills has been created.
Speaking at the inaugural function in Namdong, the chief minister said that the creation of the new block will bring good governance closer to the people. “The new C&RD Block will ensure schemes are utilised to the maximum for the development of villages. In line with the aspirations of the people, the new Namdong C&RD Block will open new avenues of progress for the villages and its people,” he added.
The CM was accompanied by Urban Affairs Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and local MLA Wailadmiki Shylla.
The Chief Minister said that despite challenges and financial constraints, the State Government has been able to mobilise resources to push development and initiate welfare projects.
Talking about the government’s initiatives in mobilising resources to start welfare projects despite financial constraints, he said, “We have initiated projects that were pending for several years. Our government has accelerated the momentum of growth and development. In the past 4.5 years, the state has witnessed significant improvements in various development indices.”
He told the gathering that the block office will start functioning with immediate effect. “Administrative reform is important. Block offices can do much more. We are making a move by making amendments in the services that the blocks in the state can provide. With adequate and trained personnel, we will introduce various services that are usually done from Sub-division or DC offices from the block. We will make those reforms for the benefit of the people,” he added.
During his visit to Namdong, the CM also inaugurated the Namdong Community Health Centre and laid the foundation stone for the upgrade of the Jowai-Nartiang-Kdiap-Khanduli road and for the Greater Mukhnang Lumrot Water Supply Scheme.
The upgrade of the Jowai-Nartiang-Kdiap-Khanduli road will bolster connectivity and support the daily commute and economic activities of the people.
The Greater Mukhnang Lumrot Water Supply Scheme, on the other hand, envisages solving the water issues in the area and ensuring supply of potable water for households.
In a notification issued here on Monday, the government ordered the creation of Ri-Muliang C&RD Block in West Khasi Hills.
Multiple villages that now came under the jurisdiction of the new C&RD Block and cease to exist in their respective earlier blocks were also mentioned in the notification.