Tura, June 19 : In a significant stride towards decentralized governance and economic empowerment, the Meghalaya government today laid the foundation stone for an Additional Secretariat Complex in Tura. The ₹165.8 crore initiative, spearheaded by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, alongside Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and Speaker Thomas A. Sangma, signifies a major step in bringing administrative services closer to the people of Garo Hills.
The new secretariat aims to accelerate the delivery of government schemes, improve citizen access to services, and enhance inter-departmental coordination within the Government of Meghalaya.
Chief Minister Sangma, speaking at the event, emphasized the state government’s relentless efforts to fortify governance and infrastructure across all blocks. He announced the establishment of a dedicated engineering wing within the Police Department and highlighted various infrastructure upgrades supported by the World Bank, including the renovation of police stations, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and Community Health Centres (CHCs).
“Our goal and our efforts continue,” stated the Chief Minister, reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring administration reaches every level, from grassroots to state. He also revealed plans for mini-secretariats in Jowai and Pynursla, further extending the reach of governance.
At the core of the government’s economic transformation agenda is the FOCUS (Farmers’ Collectivisation for Upscaling Production and Marketing Systems) scheme, Meghalaya’s flagship rural empowerment initiative. A substantial disbursement of ₹7.93 crore was initiated today, set to benefit 4,610 Producer Groups (PGs) in Garo Hills alone. The FOCUS initiative, bolstered by robust market linkages and technical support, has garnered national recognition as a model for collective farming and rural wealth creation.
Chief Minister Sangma reaffirmed that FOCUS and CM ELEVATE will remain central to Meghalaya’s inclusive growth model, empowering farmers, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and rural entrepreneurs to become key drivers of the state’s economic success. Beneficiaries from CM ELEVATE, FOCUS, and SHGs shared inspiring testimonials, illustrating the positive impact of these schemes on their livelihoods.
The event also saw significant initiatives launched for youth and education. Ten schools received M-Tabs under the Chief Minister’s Digital Learning Aid scheme, while five educational institutions were equipped with Sanitary Pad Vending Machines, improving access to menstrual hygiene for young girls.
Chief Minister Sangma further launched Awang Chips, a jackfruit chip brand from the Rongara PRIME Hub, the Meghalaya Economic Inclusive Program (MEIP), and the CM Fellowship, underscoring the state’s commitment to inclusive economic growth and innovation.
The foundation laying for the Tura Secretariat is the latest in a series of impactful projects launched across Garo Hills in the past two days. These include:
- The inauguration of the Double Lane Steel Truss Bridge over the Bakla River.
- The foundation stone for Capt. Williamson Memorial Hr. Sec. School (₹7 crore) in South West Garo Hills.
- The virtual inauguration of 125 Community Centres under the MegLife Project.
- The foundation stone for a Synthetic Athletic Track in Baghmara.
- The launch of the Chitmang Chaiwat Nature-Based Glamping Project, backed by ₹93 lakh in eco-tourism funding.
These comprehensive developments underscore Garo Hills’ pivotal role in Meghalaya’s overarching vision for inclusive growth, innovation, and regional equity.
