By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 28: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday said the state government spent over ₹650 crore on the renovation and construction of school infrastructure and administrative buildings across Meghalaya.
He said the development of school infrastructure involved an expenditure of ₹500 crore. It covered lower primary, upper primary, secondary, and higher secondary institutions. The development of administrative buildings entailed a cost of ₹150 crore.
Speaking during the inauguration of the newly constructed Block Integrated Development Complex at Pynursla C&RD Block in East Khasi Hills district, he said the works were undertaken as part of the government’s broader drive to strengthen governance and public service delivery.
The Chief Minister said improving administrative infrastructure has been a central focus of the government since 2018. He noted that until recently, most of the 46 block offices in the state were operating out of temporary or cramped facilities, some with just two rooms shared among multiple departments.
“You’ll be surprised to know that some block offices were functioning from just two rooms, with four to five different departments sharing the same space. So, we decided that every block must have a proper office — something that had not been done for 30 or 40 years,” Sangma said.
He disclosed that funds have been now sanctioned for all 56 block offices across the state, following a uniform design model. He said all the blocks are either inaugurated, under construction, or in the tendering process, and within the next one or two years, every block will have its own permanent office complex.
Referring to other key infrastructure initiatives, the Chief Minister said apart from administrative buildings, funds under the Police Infrastructure Renovation Fund have been provided to enable district Superintendents of Police to directly undertake the repair and upgradation of police stations.
“We are ensuring that not just administration, but also our government schools have proper facilities. Now we are also working on improving aided and SSA schools,” he stated.
Sangma said substantial funds have been sanctioned also for health infrastructure, including Primary Health Centres, sub-centres, and the establishment of new DC and SDO offices in areas that have long lacked proper facilities.
“We are very clear that if we desire to give good service to the people at the grassroots level, it has to come with proper structures to serve them. And it is with that mindset and vision that this block today has materialised,” he said.
