From Our Reporter
SOHRA, Jan 10: In a first, the Meghalaya government has introduced the concept of “cabinet retreat”.
The initiative brought together cabinet ministers, senior government officials, heads of departments and deputy commissioners from across the state. The two-day retreat, according to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, aims to bridge the gaps among departments to improve efficiency and governance.
However, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and minister AL Hek were absent, reportedly due to health issues.
PHE Minister Marcuise Marak and Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri were seen at the venue but they did not attend the sessions. Education Minister Rakkam Sangma, Power Minister AT Mondal, and Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh arrived late for the meeting.
“Often, departments work in silos, focusing on their individual mandates without fully understanding how their actions impact or align with other departments. This retreat allows us to introspect, collaborate and identify ways to work together for the betterment of our citizens,” Sangma said.
During the retreat, the departments presented their mandates, progress, challenges and future goals for the next few years.
These presentations served as a platform for introspection, enabling officials to assess whether they were aligned with their objectives. Additionally, it allowed other departments to understand interrelated issues and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Sangma noted that the interactive sessions has already yielded positive outcomes.
“Today, presentations from the Social Welfare, Education, and Health departments underscored the inter-connectedness of their work. For instance, improving maternal nutrition impacts child health, which in turn affects cognitive development and academic performance. Understanding this linkage is crucial for departments to converge their efforts effectively,” the chief minister said.
The retreat also provided a space for cross-departmental suggestions, with officials offering insights and solutions for challenges outside their own mandates.
“This encourages fresh perspectives and promotes teamwork, as our ultimate goal is to serve the same population – the citizens of Meghalaya,” Sangma added.
Another key highlight of the retreat was the unveiling of the government’s long-term vision for 2032, marking Meghalaya’s 60th year of Statehood. Departments have been tasked with aligning their strategies and growth trajectories with this milestone year.
The CM expressed his intention to make the Cabinet Retreat an annual affair at the beginning of each year to set clear targets and mandates.
“This will ensure that all departments start the year with a well-defined calendar and actionable goals,” he said.
As part of the retreat’s agenda, the ministers are scheduled to trek to Nongriat on Saturday, aligning with the retreat’s aim of bringing governance closer to people.