By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 31: Former cabinet minister Ampareen Lyngdoh said the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government has performed well over the past eight years, citing improvements in infrastructure, education, healthcare and tourism.
Speaking to reporters on the completion of eight years of the MDA, Lyngdoh said her assessment was based on her 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign during which she travelled extensively across constituencies.
She said road infrastructure in the state has seen significant transformation, describing it as one of the most visible achievements of the government.
Drawing from her long experience as an MLA and former minister who handled portfolios such as education, urban affairs and PWD, Lyngdoh said there has been notable progress in housing and water connectivity, with people in several constituencies acknowledging improvements in basic infrastructure.
She pointed to better policing infrastructure and a stronger law enforcement presence, noting that police stations and crime control efforts have strengthened over the past decade.
On education, Lyngdoh said the sector has witnessed a “big transformation,” highlighting the expansion of institutions and access to schemes.
She also credited the government for improvements in healthcare, including the upgradation of primary and community health centres and the recruitment of medical and paramedical staff.
Lyngdoh further pointed to developments such as the upcoming Assembly building, expansion of New Shillong Township and improvements in urban infrastructure as indicators of long-term planning. She said increasing tourist footfall and investments in sports infrastructure are also contributing to economic activity and livelihoods.
Acknowledging that challenges remain, particularly due to population growth and rising youth demands, she maintained that “overall, the MDA has done well,” crediting the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and the cabinet for driving development.
On allegations of illegal coal mining and corruption under the MDA government, Lyngdoh said perceptions of corruption exist in every government and must be distinguished from proven cases.
She stressed that such allegations need to be substantiated with facts, adding that legal and institutional mechanisms are in place to address wrongdoing.
“There is no government that is free from allegations. What is important is that these remain allegations unless proven, and that systems are strong enough to act where required,” she said.
