By Jack Syiemlieh
In the context of Meghalaya’s political climate, public visits by leaders are often criticised as mere photo opportunities. However, visible governance—such as recent visits to major markets like Iewduh—plays a critical role in ensuring that leadership remains connected to the people and their daily struggles. Governance is not confined to offices; it includes listening to communities and responding with urgency and purpose. When the Chief Minister visited Iewduh and announced Rs 21 crores for infrastructure improvement, it was a step toward action, not theatrics. Dismissing such initiatives as publicity undermines the importance of timely intervention. Would silence and inaction have been preferable?
No Political Stunt!
Public engagements help hold the administration to account. They encourage faster redressal of issues and more focused development, especially in places that have long been overlooked. Being present in the marketplace when it is at its busiest—during the day—offers a clear picture of real challenges: overcrowding, poor sanitation, lack of safety measures, and infrastructure gaps. While the idea of a night time visit might seem dramatic, it is during the daytime hustle that most issues are laid bare. Why bother with the night? The day rewrites it anyway. Effective governance must take place in the light of day, where accountability is visible, not hidden in the shadows. In the end, visible governance is not theatre—it is a commitment to transparency, community engagement, and practical action.
“Jaitbynriew”
In recent discourse, the concept of jaitbynriew — often translated as ‘community’ — has come under criticism, particularly with suggestions that it has become a limiting factor in Meghalaya’s political and economic evolution. However, such a narrative overlooks the deeper role that identity plays in sustaining democratic accountability, cultural preservation, and inclusive governance in a diverse state like Meghalaya. The critique that jaitbynriew functions as a “cocoon of comfort” misrepresents a foundational element of Meghalaya’s political ethos. Far from being a restrictive notion, jaitbynriew has been instrumental in shaping policies that protect indigenous rights, promote local representation, and ensure that development is not merely imposed from above but co-created with the people it is meant to serve. It is disingenuous to suggest that political parties shy away from reform or modern economic planning due to fear of backlash from the jaitbynriew sentiment.
In fact, Meghalaya’s political leadership has, in recent years, taken bold steps to integrate traditional values with progressive development models. Initiatives in tourism, agribusiness, and youth entrepreneurship are increasingly being structured to enhance local value chains, rather than simply attract external spending. The MDA government has actively promoted local culture by supporting events and initiatives that celebrate Meghalaya’s rich heritage. Examples include the Culinary Cascade, which showcases traditional Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo cuisine, and cultural festivals that highlight indigenous music, dance, and crafts. The government has also supported artisans through skill development schemes and provided platforms for local talent in tourism and handicrafts sectors, ensuring cultural preservation alongside economic opportunity.
“Turning a Blind Eye?”
In our society today, it has become almost second nature to criticise the government at every turn. While holding leaders accountable is vital in any democracy, we often forget to acknowledge genuine progress, especially when it happens at the grassroots level. Positive changes that directly impact people’s lives rarely receive the same attention as negative headlines. A striking example of this is Meghalaya’s Rescue Mission, launched in November 2020 to address high rates of maternal and infant mortality. Since its introduction, the state has made remarkable progress that deserves recognition. By the financial year 2023–2024, maternal deaths in Meghalaya had decreased by nearly 50%, and infant deaths by around 30%. These figures represent real lives saved and communities strengthened — yet, this success story has received little public or media attention. This achievement is the result of consistent efforts in healthcare outreach, improved medical infrastructure, and awareness campaigns led by the government and health workers. Such outcomes are not accidental; they are signs of effective governance and long-term planning. It is time we shift our perspective. Constructive criticism is important, but so is appreciation for meaningful progress. As citizens, we should celebrate success stories like the Rescue Mission, which show what can be achieved through focused action and political will.
It is often said that Meghalaya’s entrepreneurial ecosystem lacks vibrancy due to limited local purchasing power. While there may be some truth to this observation, it would be unfair and incomplete to assess the state’s entrepreneurial potential solely on this basis. In fact, a closer look reveals that Meghalaya has made considerable progress in recent years, with strong support from the government and a growing culture of innovation among its youth. One of the most notable steps taken by the government is the launch of the PRIME initiative. PRIME has created a structured platform for nurturing entrepreneurship in Meghalaya. Through financial grants, mentorship, skill development, and networking opportunities, it has empowered local entrepreneurs to develop sustainable businesses, not just for the local market but also for wider regional and national reach. In conclusion, it is inaccurate to view Meghalaya’s entrepreneurial landscape as weak or overly dependent on tourism. With initiatives like PRIME and a clear commitment from the government, the state is steadily building a more resilient and diverse economic base. The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and growing, and the future holds much promise.
“Ground Realities”
Some recent opinions have criticised the MDA 2.0 government, suggesting that it focuses more on image than real development. But this view misses the bigger picture. While it’s fair to raise concerns, we must also look at the full effort being made by the government to develop Meghalaya. First, the idea that hosting festivals and concerts is only for “optics” is misleading. These events are part of a wider plan to promote tourism and attract investment to the state. In fact, they help bring attention to Meghalaya and open up opportunities for local businesses and employment.
Next, the belief that the government only wants outside investment or sends people away from the state is not entirely correct. Encouraging skilled people to explore opportunities elsewhere is part of today’s economy. At the same time, the state is also building local skills and supporting small businesses through schemes and training. It is working on both fronts — inside and outside Meghalaya.
The issue of illegal coal mining and corruption has been raised many times. While these are serious matters, they are still under investigation and must be dealt with legally. Repeating these allegations without proof only spreads negativity and doesn’t help the public understand the full truth. The government has tried to explain its side, and those efforts should not be ignored. On the other side, the VPP talks about reducing debt and being more careful with spending. That is a good idea in theory, but it could be risky. Meghalaya has limited income, and without some borrowing, how can it build roads, schools, hospitals, and create jobs? Cutting spending too much could slow down progress and hurt essential services. We should not think of governance as a choice between “optics” and “real work.” It takes a mix of planning, investment, and public engagement to move forward. MDA 2.0 has taken steps — not perfect, but real — toward improving tourism, infrastructure, youth support, and entrepreneurship.
Ultimately, the decision rests with the people, and it is important that their choice is guided by a well-rounded and informed perspective, rather than by limited or partial narratives.