By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 30: Describing the past 53 years since Meghalaya’s statehood as a period of wasted effort, former United Democratic Party general secretary Jemino Mawthoh said 2026 must become a decisive turning point for the state to put its affairs in order.
In his message for the coming year, Mawthoh said Meghalaya needs collective resolve to begin a new decade of focused governance and people-centric development. He stressed the need to urgently streamline the education sector and expand affordable healthcare facilities, particularly for the poor and marginalised sections of society.
Highlighting the challenges faced by the youth, he said job creation must be prioritised, along with vocational training and skill development to equip young people for sustainable livelihoods. He also called for concrete measures to improve the condition of farmers and urged collective action to protect and ensure a cleaner environment. Mawthoh advocated setting up coaching centres in all districts to support civil services aspirants and said the state must capitalise on its potential in the power sector.
He further emphasised the need to encourage sports by providing incentives to sportspersons and developing sports infrastructure across all districts.
He added that greater incentives and support should be extended to persons with disabilities to ensure more inclusive development.
Stressing institutional reforms, Mawthoh said the most crucial task ahead was strengthening grassroots institutions and ensuring effective coordination between the state government, autonomous district councils, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to work in sync towards common goals.
Extending greetings for a hopeful 2026, he said only unified effort and clear priorities would allow Meghalaya to move beyond stagnation and chart a more purposeful future.
