Shillong, Sept 24: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Saturday laid the foundation stone for the construction of a new office building of Chokpot Sub-Division in South Garo Hills fulfilling the long cherished dreams of the people.
There was a festive mood in Chokpot as people from all walks of life converged to witness the historic moment as the Chief Minister also laid the foundation for a road from 12 mile along the Tura Dalu route to Chokpot, a total length of 35 km for strengthening, widening and blacktopping.
Laying foundation for both the prestigious projects, the Chief Minister said, “I am happy to fulfil the long pending demands of the people of Chokpot. It is a commitment that this government has for the people of the State.” The State Government has sanctioned close to ₹ 50 cr for the construction of the new road, while ₹ 4 cr for the new Sub-Division Office building.
“We are working with the commitment to make Meghalaya one of the top 10 states in the next 10 years and through various initiatives and efforts, the State has made rapid strides in many of the developmental indexes,” the Chief Minister said.
He told the people that the Government has been working with commitment and confidence to ensure holistic and overall growth and progress in the State. He said that no region of the State is left behind in Meghalaya’s journey towards progress and prosperity.
“We cannot bring changes only by developing Shillong and Tura or town areas. Development should reach the remotest areas of the State. Even the people living in the remotest areas should have access to development that they deserve,” he stressed.
Stating that 80 percent of the population reside in rural areas, the Chief Minister said, “If the State has to progress we have to bring inclusive development on all fronts. All areas of the State should be put at the same level of importance and have its fair share in the development initiatives of the Government”.
Lamenting on the fact that Chokpot region has remained neglected for the last 50 years, he said, “Our Government will not leave any remote areas from Meghalaya’s growth story. We will ensure that people’s concerns are addressed at all levels. Through different initiatives and welfare schemes, we are reaching out to nook and corners of the State.”
On the construction of a new road from 12th mile to Chokpot, the Chief Minister told the gathering that it will be an intermediate lane and will be constructed without any compromise. “It will be comparable to the best highways in the State,” he added.
On the construction of a new SDO office, he said, “New building will facilitate better delivery of services to the people”, while adding he said that the government has taken the initiative to develop infra in all blocks across the State.
He also informed that the new building for Chokpot Block has also been sanctioned by the government. Williamnagar MLA Marcuise Marak, Siju – Rongara MLA Rakkam Sangma, GHADC CEM Albinus Marak, Deputy CEM GHADC Nikman Marak and other dignitaries attended the programme.
