By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 17: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday said he has been pressing the central government since 2019 to create separate Meghalaya cadre for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) as part of ongoing reforms.
Addressing the annual conference of the Meghalaya Civil Service Officers’ Association (MCSOA), Sangma expressed optimism that this could be achieved soon.
“Reforms for the MCS are a priority, just as they are for other services,” he stated, encouraging greater interaction and exposure among officers through programmes which provide firsthand insights into governance at higher levels, both in India and abroad.
The Chief Minister lauded the MCS officers for their dedication and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthen the administrative framework of the state.
“At the end of the day, we all are working for the same goal—to serve the people of our state. No work, no policy, and no decision is meaningful unless we remind ourselves that our purpose is to make a positive difference in people’s lives,” he said.
He urged the officers to remain guided by purpose and service, saying that positions and ranks will change, but the purpose must remain constant.
Emphasising initiative and empathy in governance, he said India will truly begin to change when politicians learn to say ‘no’ and officers learn to say ‘yes.’
He said Meghalaya is currently the second fastest-growing economy in India, achieving over 10% growth which is expected to rise to 12–14% in the coming years.
“That growth story belongs to all of us,” he added.
Addressing the gathering, Commissioner and Secretary Cyril V Darlong Diengdoh appreciated the dedication of the MCS officers and their critical role in governance. He noted that officers serve at the forefront of administration in positions such as Sub-Divisional Officers, Block Development Officers, Additional Deputy Commissioners and Secretaries.
He assured that the government is committed to improving facilities, including housing in Shillong, and clarified matters regarding promotions to the IAS cadre, stating that communications have been sent to the UPSC and the DoPT to conduct promotions biannually.
Diengdoh further highlighted the government’s progress in ensuring regular MCS recruitment and shared details of training programmes, including induction training abroad and upcoming mid-career training for officers transitioning to policy-making roles.
Delivering the keynote address, MCSOA president Ashish M Sangma welcomed the Chief Minister and appreciated his continued support.
He encouraged officers, particularly the newly inducted ones, to serve with kindness, competence, and humility, emphasising that the true measure of an officer’s service lies in the satisfaction of those they serve.
He presented several key proposals to the government, including recognition of the MCS as the premier state service, posting MCS officers as Deputy Commissioners in selected districts, promotion to senior administrative positions, timely promotions, reduction of qualifying years for promotion, and revision of the retirement age from 58 to 60 years. He lauded the government’s decision to regularise contractual posts, describing it as a humane step benefiting numerous families.
