Shillong, January 26: The State Government has undertaken several initiatives aimed at inclusive growth and development. These include providing low-cost and rapid diagnostic service in remote rural areas, promotion of entrepreneurship of women and youth based on short term contract farming, skill development in photography and film making, improvement of basic amenities in urban areas, promotion of eco-tourism, providing high speed internet network in all 39 blocks, improvement of sports facilities and infrastructure under Mission Football, language skills and entrepreneurship development etc. Several initiatives were taken up by the Government in the preceding years such as promotion of nutritional security through sustainable livelihoods. Construction of farmers’ markets and lay bye markets, cultivation of ramie, agar and bamboo, promotion of zardozi craft, income generation programme for weavers, etc. have also been continued in 2016-17.
While number of initiatives have been embarked upon across sectors to bring in expeditious growth and development which is inclusive and sustainable, our top priority will be on upgrading the roads infrastructures, completing upgradation of both Umroi and Baljek Airports, taking measures for access to quality education, quality health care, partnership with the stakeholders in promoting green economy and promoting the State as the most favoured destination.
Meghalaya has already established itself as one of the favoured destinations in the country. It is only appropriate to place on record our sincerest and deepest appreciation to our beloved people of Mawlynnong, Shnongpdeng, Mawphanlur, Sohra, Mawlyngbna, Sohlya, Rangmasek, Chandigre, Daribokre, etc., who have demonstrated their commitment and determination to promote their villages as exclusively and favoured tourist destination leveraging upon the natural resources, culture and our way of life through collective positive action.
Transforming Our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations consists of 17 sustainable development goals and 169 targets which aim to end poverty, protect the environment and ensure prosperity for all. These goals and targets are to be achieved by 2030. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, the State Government had already taken up several initiatives during the last few years which have provided a good base for accelerated action under the framework. These include setting up of Entrepreneurship Facilitation Centres, Mission Green, Mission Organic, setting up of the Institute of Natural Resources, Entrepreneurship and Governance, the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme, steps for promoting livable cities and towns, affordable housing schemes, operationalisation of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) under PPP, setting up of incubation centres and climate change management interventions.
The JodoGyan, which is an innovative learning enhancement project, is being implemented in 7,057 schools to promote conceptual understanding in primary mathematics and encourage joyful learning in mathematics. During 2016-17, the JodoGyan team had trained 88 resource persons in all the 11 Districts of the State. The Education Department is also encouraging private players to start professional, technical and vocational courses in the State for the benefit of our students’ community. 10 private universities have already been approved by enactment of separate Acts to cater to the need for professional, technical and vocational education. Prestigious Central Institutes have also been set up in Meghalaya such as NIT, NEIGHRIMS, IHM, NIFT, College of Home Science Tura, EFLU, IIM etc. In order to boost Technical Education in the State, it has been decided to set up a State Technical University and work on the same is in progress.
One of the major initiatives of the Govt. of Meghalaya is the “Supporting Human Capital Development in Meghalaya”, which includes renovation and new infrastructure development of 117 Government Aided Secondary/Higher Secondary schools. Work on 68 schools has already begun and in the remaining schools, the work will begin soon. Teaching facilities will be greatly improved with up gradation of 2 Teacher training centres, 4 DIET’s and 8 ITI’s. Under the scheme, training has been imparted to about 3,500 Secondary & Higher Secondary teachers. On the skills development front, the first package to train 7,000 youth has been almost finalised and will commence shortly.
One of the foremost priority of the Government is to increase foodgrains production to narrow the gap between production and demand and simultaneously to tap unutilized potential of land and other resources related to agriculture This is being carried out and reinforced through various interventions. In tandem with the objective, area expansion under rice production is aimed at promoting winter cultivation of paddy through assured irrigation, proper land use and mechanization. Steps are also being taken to promote organic cultivation fostered through the use of organic manures, bio fertilizers and Integrated Pest Management. The Government is also promoting the cultivation of Ramie, a semi perennial fibre crop grown in a wide range of agro ecological conditions for its strong fibre and green feed for livestock. Under Organic Plantation of Bamboo and Agar, around 9,00,000 Agar seedlings were distributed to the beneficiaries coverings all the districts with total area coverage of about 16 hectares. About 8,00,000 Bamboo saplings were also distributed to the beneficiaries, where the total area coverage comes to around 14 hectares.
Promotion of health care by strengthening and consolidating the existing health care facilities and extension of outreach services to reach the populace of the State through its network of Hospitals, CHCs, PHCs, Health Sub – centres &Dispensaries is being taken up by the Government. Recently, some newly constructed Primary Health Centres/Sub-Centres, namely, Mawkynrew PHC,Mawroh PHC &Umrynjah Sub-Centre in the East Khasi Hills District, and Thadrang Sub-Centre in the Ri- Bhoi District were inaugurated, thereby, bringing health care services closer to the people of these areas. The Bivalent Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) Kits has been introduced so that malaria cases could be diagnosed on the spot with prompt and complete treatment. ASHAs have been trained to perform the Bivalent RDT.All the statutory functionaries’ for food safety have been appointed and notified for carrying out inspection of establishments where food is manufactured, stored, distributed and sold. The implementation of the Phase III of the Megha Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS Ill) is currently under tendering process and will be completed shortly.
The socio-economic development of our State, where majority of population lives in the rural areas, largely depends on the development of road network. Efficient road network has strong impact on the development of agriculture, health, education, tourism and other related sectors. The Government is therefore, laying great stress on construction of new roads and up-gradation of existing roads. The implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is progressing well and is on the right track. Sanction has so far been accorded for an amount of Rs. 272crores. Against this sanction,180 road works have been completed so far connecting 223 habitations covering a length of 608 KMs. The targeted habitations are 230 with a road length of 645 KM. The Government of India has recently sanctioned the improvement and construction of bridges on the Pynursla- Myllat – Lyting – Lyngdoh Road at a cost of Rs 10.32 crore. The Government of India has also recently sanctioned Upgradation to double lane with paved/hard shoulder of Garobadha-Mankachar road at a cost of Rs.67.78crores.
To improve infrastructure for the well-being of the children and mothers, 500 Aganwadi Centres (AWCs ) are proposed to be constructed and another 790 centers have been approved under convergence mode, with a wider concept of a crèche and play area, in 2016- 17. All these centers will impart a new curriculum on Early Childhood and Continuing Education to encourage nutritional and health awareness for the targeted mothers.
The State Commission for Women and the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights have held field camps and meetings with various stakeholders in the State to create awareness on steps to prevent domestic violence and for child rights and protection. One Stop Crisis centre has been sanctioned by Government of India in Tura, and a Women Helpline also has been set up to cater to the needs of women in distress.
The Chief Minister’s Social Assistance Scheme for the infirm, aged and
widows with a monthly assistance of Rs. 500/- was provided to 33,880 infirm and 21,463 widows and single mothers; and Pension for Persons With Disability at the rate of Rs. 500/- per month to 9,020 persons has been proposed during the current year.
In the sports sector, an international standard Football Stadium at Ampati, South West Garo Hills has been approved by the Ministry of DoNER at a cost of Rs.3821 crore and preparatory works have already commenced.After successfully co-hosting the 12th South Asian Games with Assam early last year, Meghalaya has now got the opportunity to hold the National Games 2022.
The annual general body meeting of the Indian Olympic Association has accepted the bid documents submitted by the Meghalaya State Olympic Association and allotted the Games to the State. Hosting the National Games would be a fitting tribute to the State and the people to mark the 50th year of Meghalaya statehood. With a view to encourage participation of budding talents at a young age and to foster a healthy lifestyle while also imparting basic skills to prepare future champions, the Grass Root Coaching centres for 7-11 years old has been initiated by the Department with the theme “Catch them young” in various key disciplines such as football, boxing, karate and tennis in all the district headquarters. In the North East Games held at Imphal, Manipur in March, 2016, the State has excelled in the disciplines of athletics, badminton, boxing, football, judo and table tennis. In boxing, 4 youth participated in the selection trial for the World Youth Boxing Championships.132 sportspersons were felicitated with cash incentives for their achievements at the regional and national tournaments. The second Woman Everester from this State was also felicitated for having successfully scaled the Mt. Everest.
The Soil & Water Conservation Department is implementing various schemes and projects in its endeavour to conserve and manage the natural resources and also to improve the livelihood of the marginalized rural poor. The major schemes and projects implemented include the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP),under which 84 watersheds in all the Districts of the State have been covered.
The industries sector is one of the major avenues for economic upliftment of the State as well as for employment generation. Hence Government is taking necessary steps to promote and develop industry and industrial activities in the State. In the Commerce sector, the Government has been able to focus on development of infrastructure for export. For the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Tamabil- Dawki in West Jaintia Hills District, 82372square meters of land has been acquired and handed over to the Government of India for immediate construction of the check post.
The fishing sector witnessed a significant improvement and the annual fish production has increased to 8000 MT through the expansion of 2,06,000 hectares of water area. The scheme has benefitted 20,600 farmers. The Government is looking forward to assist another 5,716 fish farmers within the current year itself. The State is moving forward to become self-sufficient in fish seed production for which 26 hatcheries have been established so far. The Government will further focus on tapping the full-production potential and enhance productivity substantially from aquaculture and fisheries resources.
There has been good progress towards implementation of “Skill India Mission”. The number of skilled youth trained under various skill development programmes exceeds 20,000 and many of them are gainfully employed both within and outside the State. The Government has also taken up construction of new I.T.Is with the intention of taking skill and vocational training closer to the youth of every district. As part of this initiative, 1(one) new ITI will be set up at Mawkyrwat. The Model Career Centre, Shillong, under the modernization scheme for Employment Exchanges, will be functional soon and unemployed youth of the State can take immense benefit out of the services to be provided by this Centre.
Urban centres are considered to be the engines of growth and act as a catalyst in economic development. Emphasis has been given on infrastructure development of the existing urban centres in order to effectively cater to the need of its own population as well as the rural hinterland. In order to accommodate the future growth, efforts are being made to develop new towns and peri-urban areas. Efforts are also being made to complete all the ongoing projects sanctioned under the erstwhile Flagship Programme of JNNURM. The ongoing projects include the Great Shillong Water Supply Project Phase III which is expected to be completed by March 2017.Under the newly launched programme of AMRUT, the major task is the preparation of the Service Level Improvement Plan (SLIP) and State Annual Action Plan (SAAP). Accordingly, the Plans have been prepared with thrust on water supply, sewerage & septage, drainage, urban transport and green space and parks. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, 10 statutory towns have been included.
Under 10% Lumpsum Fund for development of North Eastern States, construction of Inter State Bus Terminus at Tura has been completed and will be inaugurated shortly. The major projects in progress are re-development of Parking Lot at Akhonggre; improvement of road network in Mairang, Sohra and Nongpoh; Shopping Infrastructure for Migrating Rural Vendors-cum-Parking Infrastructure at Nazing Bazar; construction of missing R.C.C bridge to connect Gandrak Dare at Tura and construction of road from Shamshan Ghat to Reserve Gittim at Tura. A new project viz. construction of Parking-cum-Commercial Facility Centre near Inter District Bus Terminus at Akhonggre has been sanctioned during the current financial year.
Housing is one of the basic requirements for human survival. In Meghalaya, the majority of households live in kuccha houses and a substantial proportion reside in semi-pucca houses. Only 37% of rural households in the villages live in dwelling units with more than two rooms. Moreover, houses in the rural areas are of temporary nature which need to be upgraded with durable building materials. Improvement of the living condition of the people also includes provision of decent houses. The Government proposes to implement a new housing Scheme under which durable roofing materials will be provided to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and dwelling houses to the Low Income Group (LIG) families.
Meghalaya is extremely rich in floral and faunal wealth with over 76% area under forest cover. It has been the earnest endeavour of the Government to conserve the environment and natural resources for the present and future generations by planning and implementing programmes to protect the environment and to strike and maintain a balance between conservation and development. The Meghalaya Bio-Diversity Board has the mandate to preserve and conserve the rich biodiversity of the State. 143 Biodiversity Management Committees have been constituted till date for the purpose of implementing the provisions of the Biodiversity Act and Rules at the grassroots level. The Board has standardized a methodology for preparation of People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) to document the biodiversity in the State. One Self Help Group from Mawkyrnot Village under Pynursla CD Block has recently been awarded the India Biodiversity Award 2016 for preserving a living root bridge as well as the surrounding areas in their village.
The natural beauty, rich culture and tradition of the State has attracted increasing number of tourists every year. To further improve the tourism experience, major festivals of the State are being promoted to showcase the customs, practices and way of life of the local people. The Government is focusing on enhancing the accommodation facilities in the State for the tourists. The Government has also introduced the Meghalaya Tourism Development and Investment Promotion Scheme. To enhance employability of the youth in hospitality sector, skill development programmes have been taken up. All these efforts have brought in the concept of sustainable tourism with livelihood opportunities for the local communities.
The State Government with a view to facilitating systematic, scientific and planned utilization of mineral resources and bringing mining within the fold of regulatory regime, had notified the Meghalaya Mines and Minerals Policy, 2012. In the implementation of the aforesaid Policy, a few issues have cropped up as all the Central laws relating to development and regulation of mines and minerals would be applicable to Meghalaya, unless a specific exception is made. The Government of Meghalaya has therefore submitted the requisite proposals to the Government of India for exemption under Para 12A (b) of the Sixth Schedule from the operation of the Coal Mines Nationalization Act, 1973 and also for certain amendment in the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act, 1957.The matter is under active consideration of the Government of India. For regulating the grant of mining leases and quarry permits in respect of minor minerals and in order to facilitate and encourage scientific mining of minor minerals, the State Government has notified the Meghalaya Minor Mineral Concession Rules on 12th September, 2016.
The state flagship programme, the Integrated Basin Development & Livelihood Promotion Programme (IBDLP) was initiated as part of our abiding commitment to the development of green economy. With a view to ensure further consolidation of this important programme of the State government, a special project has been taken up to foster partnerships between communities, government institutions and other stake holders to promote mutually beneficial business ventures. These will pave the way for inclusive and ecologically sustainable economic development. As a part of our commitment to promote green economy and sustainable ecology we have recently launched “Community Based Agro Business Partnership (CBABP)” at Megagre in East Garo Hills District which is based on scientific management of natural resources on revenue sharing model between the community and the Government.
Rapid growth, devolution of governance and administration, enhanced transparency through effective implementation of Right to Information Act and other such measures taken have created the requisite environment for the Government to function effectively at a time when there is tremendous expectation on its ability to perform and efficiently respond to the aspirations of the citizens. In these dynamic conditions, it is imperative to motivate state functionaries as vital key resources of the Government and to bridge competency gaps in their current and future roles through training and capacity building. Meghalaya Administrative Training Institute as the focal Institution empowered to provide support in carrying out training and coordinated capacity building for Government employees across all sectors and Departments, conducted 143 training programmes in 2015-16 on various thematic courses designed to develop a work-force equipped with the requisite knowledge, capacity and attitude to perform the functions they are entrusted with and to sensitise them on important issues facing our society through focus on ethics, commitment to duty, and empathy for the vulnerable sections.
In his concluding speech the chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma said “ I am overcome by a sense of pride as well as humility. It I The State Government has undertaken several initiatives aimed at inclusive growth and development s a matter of pride to find ourselves belonging to a country that has matured as the largest democracy in the world and is now being counted as an emerging economic powerhouse. Equally, with all humility, we must acknowledge that the dream of Mahatma Gandhi to wipe every tear from every eye still remains distant. Let us, therefore, resolve today to do all we can, to contribute towards building a just, harmonious and equitable society in our country” he said.
