By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 18: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday reiterated his government’s commitment to accelerating development in South Garo Hills, announcing that projects worth an additional Rs 400 crore will be rolled out over the next two to three years. This follows investments totalling Rs 1,400 crore already implemented in the region since 2018.
Speaking at the 33rd Foundation Day of South Garo Hills district in Baghmara, Sangma said the government’s focused approach over the past seven years has led to visible transformation in the area.
“In 2018, during my visit to Baghmara, I had promised to give my best for the development of South Garo Hills. Since then, projects worth Rs 1,400 crore have been implemented and we plan to bring in another Rs 400 crore in the coming years,” he said.
The foundation day celebration was also attended by cabinet ministers AT Mondal, Shakliar Warjri, Marcuise Marak and Rakkam A. Sangma, along with MLAs Sanjay Sangma, Kartush Marak, Sengchim Sangma, GHADC CEM Albinus Marak and international guest Ham Haverkort from Rabobank Acorn.
Highlighting the state government’s vision ahead of Meghalaya’s 60th year of statehood, Sangma urged all districts to chart out tailored development goals. “Whether it’s infrastructure, tourism or sports, we need to plan and envision together. Transformation of Meghalaya is only possible if citizens and government work in synergy,” he added.
Stressing the growing momentum in the tourism sector, the chief minister expressed satisfaction that residents in Baghmara were launching homestays and entrepreneurial ventures. “This is the beginning of the region’s economic transformation. The government is committed to supporting tourism,” he said.
He also spoke about the potential of carbon credit markets and encouraged communities to protect forests and rivers, adding that South Garo Hills, with its rich biodiversity, could attract climate-conscious investors.
On the occasion, several initiatives were launched, including the Meghalaya Economic Inclusive Program (M-EIP) and the Chief Minister’s Fellowship, whilst cheques under the MegCARE scheme were distributed.
The chief minister also laid the foundation stone for a synthetic athletic track and a new building for Captain Williamson Government Higher Secondary School.
Meanwhile, certificates were handed over to the best-performing students and schools in the recent HSSLC and SSLC examinations.
Sangma also inaugurated the newly constructed Prime Hub and inspected the refurbished Baghmara Police Station, upgraded under the Police Infrastructure Development Fund.
He assured that improving public infrastructure remains a priority to ensure smooth governance and better service delivery across the state.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma and Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri also addressed the gathering and lauded the chief minister’s leadership in pushing inclusive growth.