SHILLONG/TURA, March 6: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma marked eight years of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, emphasising development that people truly feel.
At the “Our Magnificent Meghalaya | Vision 2032” event in Tura’s P.A. Sangma Sports Complex, Sangma reflected on the eventful journey.
“Looking back, the path has not always been easy. There were challenges and difficult moments, but with the blessings from above, the support of our citizens and the collective effort of Team Meghalaya, we have continued to move forward with determination and purpose,” Sangma posted on social media.
He highlighted Meghalaya’s economic rise. “Today, Meghalaya is being recognised for its economic transformation and its commitment to responsible and balanced growth. For a small state like ours to stand alongside some of the most advanced states in the country is truly encouraging.”
Sangma stressed tangible impact over infrastructure. “While infrastructure like roads, schools, secretariats and hospitals are important milestones, the greatest satisfaction for me is much simpler, when a citizen smiles because their life has improved.”
He defined progress in three forms: “For me, development comes in three forms: development you hear, development you see, and most importantly, development you feel. The real success of our work is when a farmer’s livelihood improves, a child receives quality education, or a patient receives timely care.”
At the event in Tura, Sangma noted the challenges overcome. “Over the last eight years, our journey has been filled with challenges and difficulties. At times, it has been painful and it has certainly not been easy. But through the blessings from above, the love of the people and the support of our citizens, we have been able to overcome most of these challenges.”
He cited a prime ministerial letter praising Meghalaya’s growth and fiscal discipline. “Who would have imagined that a small state like Meghalaya would one day be competing with some of the most advanced states in the country? Yet today we stand among them in terms of economic growth.”
True success, he said, lies in lives changed. “People often ask me what the greatest achievement of the last eight years is—whether it is the new Secretariat coming up in Shillong, the Additional Secretariat being constructed in Tura, the many roads built, or the schools constructed. While all these are important, the greatest satisfaction I get is being able to bring a smile to the face of a citizen.”
Sangma praised team spirit: “Whether they are government officials, MLAs or Ministers, people are not working simply because they have to. They are working because they know their work is making a difference in someone’s life. What makes this government different is the determination not to give up and the belief that every effort we make can change someone’s life somewhere in our state.”
He urged unity: “As we move ahead towards Vision 2032, let us continue to work together in unity and harmony. Our strength has always been our togetherness. Hatred between tribes or communities can never be the solution.”
“The first is development that you can hear—when announcements are made about policies or projects. The second is development that you can see—when roads, schools, hospitals and buildings are constructed. But the most important thing is development that you can feel—when a life is saved in a hospital, when a child receives education in a school, or when a farmer’s livelihood improves because of government support. When that happens, the smile on a person’s face becomes the greatest achievement,” the chief minister stated.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, on the other hand, called it a milestone since March 6, 2018. “When we formed the government, the journey ahead was not easy. There were many challenges and ups and downs. But with the blessings and guidance of Almighty God, we have now reached eight years,” he said.
Tynsong announced Rs 220 crore beneficiary aid, saying: “The total distribution of cheques for today alone amounts to around Rs 220 crore. This money goes directly to the beneficiaries. I believe this is no small matter. In a single day, the government is distributing around Rs 220 crore for the welfare of the people.”
Meanwhile, Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma hailed Conrad as Meghalaya’s longest-serving CM and urged bipartisan efforts for Vision 2032. He expressed hope that both the Government and the Opposition would continue to work together to ensure that the promise of Vision 2032 becomes a reality in every corner of Meghalaya.
Cabinet Minister Timothy D. Shira praised transformative programs, calling for public cooperation. PHE Minister Marcuise N. Marak credited “Team Meghalaya” in his welcome, noting steady progress under Sangma’s leadership.
During the event, several initiatives were launched, including Rs 5 crore scholarships for 98,751 students (2025-26), Rs 3 crore uniform grants for 50,000, plus aid under CM Farm+, Elevate, Homestay, Green Meghalaya+ and VDVK initiatives. Conrad inaugurated 101 JICA-aided community halls and eight Garo Hills warehouses/CFCs to boost local enterprises.
Beneficiaries shared success stories, especially CM Farm+’s boost to black pepper production. Videos were showcased to highlight the eight-year achievements of the MDA government in infrastructure, education and farmer support.
