Shillong, June 18: Meghalaya Chief Minister Mr. Conrad K Sangma attended the 33rd Foundation Day of South Garo Hills district. The event was also attended by Cabinet Ministers A T Mondal, Shakliar Warjri, Marcuise Marak, and Rakkam A Sangma, along with MLAs Sanjay Sangma, Kartus Marak, and Sengchim Sangma, and CEM of GHADC Albinus Marak.
During his address, the Chief Minister spoke at length on government’s commitment to developing South Garo Hills. He told the gathering that since 2018, various projects worth ₹1400 crore have been implemented in the region, and an additional ₹400 crore will be sanctioned under various scheme in the next 2-3 years.
“In 2018 during my visit to Baghmara, I had promised that I will do my best to develop South Garo Hills. We have listed different initiative for the region and in past seven years, we have implemented various project worth 1400 Cr”, he said.
Terming that the government has given due attention for the development of the region, he said, “South Garo Hills is slowly being transformed, with opportunities being created for our local people.”
He also informed that as the State gears up for 60th year of statehood, the target is to ensure inclusive development.
“In is time for all the districts to plan and focus on different initiatives to ensure that when Meghalaya celebrate 60 year of statehood, there is reason for each one of us to celebrate and be proud as a Meghalayan”, he added.
“what will be the focus for Baghmara to promote, sports, infrastructure or trade— we have to envision and plan it out”, he stressed. “If we have to transform Meghalaya, government alone cannot do the turn around, every citizens have to work together with a synergistic effort”, the chief minister stressed.
Talking about growth of tourism, he said, “Government is there to suppprt tourism sector, I am happy to learn that people are coming out to start entrepreneurship ventures and Homestays in Baghmara. This is the beginning of the economic transformation that will secure the future for our citizens”, he said.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the importance of carbon credits and the potential for South Garo Hills to benefit from this initiative. He appealed to the local people to further protect their forests and rivers, highlighting the region’s rich biodiversity and its potential to attract companies looking to compensate for carbon emissions.
The Chief Minister also launched the Meghalaya Economic Inclusive Program (M-EIP) and CM Fellowship, and handed over cheques to beneficiaries under MegCARE.
He also laid the foundation stone for the construction of a synthetic athletic track and a new building for Captain Williamson Government Higher Secondary School. The event also included the handing over of certifications to the best-performing schools and students in the recent HSSLC and SSLC exams.
Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma and Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri also spoke on the occasion, highlighting the Chief Minister’s attention and thrust towards the overall growth and development of the state. Ham Haverkort, Partnership Lead Asia, Rabobank Acorn, also addressed the gathering.
During his visit to Baghmara, he also inaugurated the newly constructed Prime Hub and visited the Baghmara Police Station, which has been revamped under Police Infrastructure Development Fund, a flagship initiative of the Chief Minister.
He said that government is providing adequate attention to create better infrastructure facilities for smooth administration.
