Jowai, November 10 : The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma, inaugurated the Year-Long Golden Jubilee Celebration of Amlarem Civil Sub-Division at the Amlarem Playground, marking 50 years since the Sub-Division’s establishment in 1976. The milestone event was attended by Ministers, MLAs, MDCs, government officials, traditional leaders, students, and residents from across the region, reflecting a strong sense of community pride and participation.
As part of the celebration, the Chief Minister unveiled the foundation stones for two major projects — the Multi-Purpose Hall at Amlarem (₹345 lakh) and another at Amlariang, Nongtalang (₹74 lakh). These projects aim to enhance community infrastructure and promote social and developmental activities across the Sub-Division.
In his address, the Chief Minister paid rich tributes to (L) H. Enowell Pohshna and (L) Johndeng Pohrmen, the founding leaders who played pivotal roles in the creation of the Sub-Division. He also acknowledged Renswit Jungai and Welbin Jungai, who generously donated land for the Civil Sub-Division Office, and appreciated the contributions of past and present officers and citizens who have shaped Amlarem’s development journey.
Highlighting the government’s continuous efforts to bring administration closer to the people, the Chief Minister said, “Every one of the state’s 46 Block offices now has a new building, and 10 new blocks have been created with full infrastructure.”
He also announced the sanction of a Mini Secretariat for Amlarem, stating, “Amlarem is the oldest Sub-Division and it definitely deserves a Mini Secretariat. I want the work to begin within this Golden Jubilee year.”
Additionally, he announced new projects for water supply, internal road construction, and renovation of the Sub-Division Office, along with a ₹20 lakh grant from the Chief Minister’s Special Fund to support the jubilee celebrations.
Reaffirming the government’s focus on education, the Chief Minister lauded the achievements of Mission Education, initiated under Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, which has led to the renovation or reconstruction of nearly 80% of government schools.
He announced that the Amlarem Water Supply Scheme would soon be implemented and shared plans to introduce a Digital Front Office System at the block level, ensuring that “no citizen has to travel beyond their block to access government services.”
Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui recalled his early memories of Amlarem’s first inauguration by Captain W.A. Sangma, Meghalaya’s first Chief Minister, in 1976. He noted the Sub-Division’s remarkable transformation from having only a handful of schools and offices within a 25 km radius to now hosting over 30 Lower Primary Schools, 20 Secondary Schools, two Colleges, and offices of all major departments.
He described the Golden Jubilee as “a new beginning, not an end,” and called upon the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments to revive orange cultivation in the War Jaintia region, once a thriving exporter to Bangladesh. He also commended the government’s commitment to health and community infrastructure through the upgradation of the CHC and the new Multi-Purpose Halls.
The festive event featured traditional dances, songs, and cultural presentations by local students and community groups, showcasing the vibrant cultural heritage of Amlarem. The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks from the Rangbah Shnong of Amlarem and a rendition of the State Anthem by students of Mang Hai Ryum Higher Secondary School.
