By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 21: Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem along with members of the Nongtluh Mathan Marmain Development Forum (NMMDF), in collaboration and community submitted a memorandum to Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong to expedite the process of establishment of a new Community and Rural Development (C&RD) Block at Umden.
Syiem pointed out that Umling, one of Meghalaya’s oldest and largest blocks, currently covers around 224 villages, making it increasingly difficult for officials and community organisations to ensure timely delivery of government services.
In the memorandum, the NMMDF expressed deep appreciation to the deputy chief minister for his commitment to rural development while drawing attention to the urgent administrative and logistical challenges faced by villages under the Umling C&RD Block.
The forum highlighted that the Nongtluh Mathan Marmain area alone consists of more than 130 villages, many situated over 80 kilometres away from the Umling Block headquarters. Residents often face round trips exceeding 160 kilometres to access basic administrative and welfare services.
The memorandum noted that nearly 60 percent of these villages lie along the zero line bordering Assam’s Kamrup Metro District, where difficult terrain and cross-border sensitivities further delay developmental assistance.
According to the NMMDF, a comprehensive study conducted in 2022 reaffirmed the strategic necessity of creating a new block at Umden to improve governance efficiency and equitable growth.
The forum also stated that land for the proposed block has already been donated by the Raid Nongtluh-Umden free of cost, underscoring the community’s collective will and commitment to progress.
The NMMDF recalled that earlier memorandums had been submitted to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on June 26, 2025, during the inauguration of the new Umling Block building, and to former C&RD Minister A.T. Mondal on May 15, 2025.
The Nongpoh MLA has also repeatedly raised this demand, including during an Assembly session on August 23, 2021.
Chairman Arnold Syngkli and Secretary Diren Klein, in their joint submission, urged the Deputy Chief Minister to expedite the establishment of the Umden C&RD Block, describing it as a “transformative step toward streamlining governance and democratizing access to development.”
They said the move would mark a milestone in ensuring inclusive prosperity for the region’s rural populace.
