By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 18: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma underlined the need for a decisive shift in governance—away from routine, process-heavy administration and towards outcomes that tangibly improve people’s lives.
Sangma said government departments often end up working in isolation despite pursuing similar or complementary goals, leading to fragmented efforts.
He stressed the importance of aligning the thinking and actions of all departments so that they move collectively towards the broader development vision of the state.
While acknowledging that administrative functions such as file clearances and application processing are essential, the chief minister said an excessive focus on routine procedures can sometimes obscure the larger purpose of governance. Development, he said, cannot be judged merely by statistics or physical outputs.
Citing examples such as the number of kilometres of irrigation canals constructed, Sangma said the real measure of success lies in whether such initiatives actually deliver meaningful benefits to citizens. “The focus must be on impact, not just numbers,” he indicated.
He said it was important for officers to clearly understand why they do what they do, and how individual departmental efforts contribute to the state’s overall development agenda. Such clarity, he added, helps ensure that governance remains citizen-centric and result-oriented.
The chief minister also noted that greater awareness of each other’s work among departments helps improve coordination and fosters a sense of shared responsibility across the administration.
On whether this approach would be sustained on the ground, Sangma said the government would continue to motivate and push the system forward.
While outcomes cannot be guaranteed overnight, he maintained that consistent effort would be made to keep governance aligned with the state’s long-term objectives.
