Tura, May 19: Conrad K. Sangma on Monday inaugurated the newly relocated 41 Meghalaya Battalion NCC at Cherangre in Tura, describing the occasion as a major step towards strengthening youth development and leadership in the state.
The inauguration programme included a Guard of Honour, ribbon-cutting ceremony, unveiling of the commemorative plaque, tree plantation, cultural performances and interaction sessions with former NCC cadets.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the National Cadet Corps plays a vital role in instilling discipline, patriotism, leadership and character among young people.
Describing the inauguration as a “momentous occasion,” Sangma said the establishment of the battalion in Tura was “almost like a dream come true.” He also shared personal anecdotes from his childhood, recalling how the discipline and dedication of armed forces personnel had inspired him from a young age.
“The NCC instils discipline, patriotism, hard work, and values that shape young people into responsible citizens,” he said.
The Chief Minister stressed that development should be measured not merely by infrastructure or expenditure but by the number of lives transformed through government initiatives.
“The success of a government should not be measured by how many crores are spent or how many buildings are constructed. It should be measured by how many lives are transformed because of those investments,” he stated.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s youthful population, Sangma said nearly 75 percent of the state’s population is below 35 years of age, making youth empowerment one of the government’s highest priorities.
He also referred to the recently announced Youth and Sports Policy, describing it as a roadmap aimed at integrating education, sports, entrepreneurship, arts, culture and skill development into a unified vision for empowering youth.
The Chief Minister assured continued government support for strengthening NCC infrastructure and youth-focused initiatives in the state.
“This is not an expenditure — it is an investment. The returns from investing in our youth will be far greater than the money spent,” he said.
The 41 Meghalaya Battalion NCC traces its origins to the raising of the 15 Assam Artillery Battery NCC in 1961 and was later upgraded in October 2020. The battalion currently oversees NCC activities across five districts of Garo Hills.
Under the Border Area Expansion Plan, the unit has expanded from 3 colleges and 6 schools to 7 colleges and 18 schools, with approximately 2,400 cadets enrolled as of May 2026.
