Siju, Oct 21: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma today inaugurated the Synthetic Football Turf at Mandalgitok Playground, Siju and laid the foundation stone for the new Siju C&RD Block Office Building.
The programmes were held in presence of Shri Rakkam A. Sangma, MLA 58-Rongara Siju and former Education Minister, Shri Jim M. Sangma, MLA 42-Rongjeng, Shri Sengchim N. Sangma, MLA 59-Chokpot, Shri Sumit Kumar Singh, IAS, Deputy Commissioner South Garo Hills, line departments, Nokmas, Sordars, Laskers, students, teachers, fathers, sisters, religious leaders and public from different parts of Siju.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said, on Development Model, in 2018 when the NPP got the mandate to form the Government, he had told the press that his development model would be holistic development reaching every corner – urban and rural and in all sectors. It would include not only infrastructure development but also personal development to uplift livelihood and thanked the people for giving a second term to serve the State.
“The State is constructing 58 Artificial Turf grounds, one in each constituency, with a sanction of more than Rs. 300 Crs. On completion, Meghalaya will become the state with the highest number of artificial turfs in India. Overall, more than Rs. 2000 crore has been invested in the last 8 years for sports infrastructure including stadiums, football grounds, swimming pools and indoor stadiums in all 60 constituencies.”
He said youth and sports are vital for Meghalaya’s future. “If we want to make Meghalaya one of the best states, we must give opportunities to our youth along with education and infrastructure,” he said.
” Meghalaya will host the National Games for the first time in March 2027. About 15,000 athletes, coaches and officials will participate. The Government’s aim is that our youth from Siju should win medals not only in National Games but also represent Meghalaya and India in Asian Games and Olympics in future.”
FOCUS+: First instalment of Rs. 20-30 Crs released last month to 1.12 lakh beneficiaries. Second instalment and backlog instalments will be released in December 2026. New registration is ongoing. Money goes directly to beneficiary accounts.
Scholarships: Rs. 104 Crs last week as 2nd instalment and Rs. 100 Crs in September as 1st instalment. Total Rs. 204 Crs released directly to 95,000 students in last 3 months.
CM Elevate, CM Assure, CM Farm Plus: At Jengjal on 22nd Oct 2026 vehicles and financial support will be distributed to youth, women and farmers to start businesses. Seeds, saplings and direct financial support to farmers.
He said all these programmes are implemented keeping in mind the vision of Late P.A. Sangma – keeping our people and state first.
On GHADC Separate Electoral Roll, The Governor has passed the historic Separate Electoral Roll Bill for GHADC. “Now no non-tribal can vote or contest in GHADC. GHADC was created under the 6th Schedule to protect tribal identity and rights. The demand was pending for long but has now fructified.
On Wangala Golden Jubilee & Culture: The 50th Wangala Golden Jubilee will witness 1000 drums this year, the with Rs. 5.50 Crs support being extended by the governmenyt towards the 100 Drums Golden Jubilee Celebrations for construction of Wangala arena, road and parking and holding of the golden jubilee celebrations.
He also mentioned the Mahari Football Tournament in Tura, for which 90% support was extended from the Chief Minister’s Special Grant. “This year out of Rs. 13 lakhs budgets, Rs. 11 lakhs and Rs. 5.50 lakhs was financial support was extended to all participating Maharis to preserve the spirit of Mahari,” he said.
The Chief Minister said 70% of public works and benefits are delivered through the Block, so blocks are important for public service stating funds are sanctioned for the new building for Siju C&RD Block for which the foundation stone is being laid.
He recalled the Rerapara Block which had been running without a building since 2014, and yesterday its new building was inaugurated. “There are 56 Blocks in Meghalaya and Government is constructing new block buildings across the state,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that the Government has not achieved everything but is striving towards balanced overall development. He also expressed concern over delay in NH-62 / NH-217 due to land acquisition and forest issues and said that the Government is taking up the matter with Central Ministry.
He also mentioned that Siju to Chokpot Road proposal has been submitted to the Government through the Ministry of DoNER. “Once it is granted, travel from Siju to Tura via Chokpot will be much faster and easier for office works and public movement,” he said.
Closing his speech, the Chief Minister thanked the A•king Nokma for donating land for construction of the artificial turf at Siju adding that the site is beautiful, a tourist lodge and restaurant can be constructed along with the turf. “Tourists can enjoy the beautiful view while watching the tournaments,” he added.
