Baghmara, June 18 : Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to the holistic development of South Garo Hills district, as he addressed the 33rd Foundation Day celebrations held in Baghmara.
The Chief Minister highlighted significant progress made since 2018, stating that projects worth ₹1400 crore have already been implemented in the region. He further announced plans to sanction an additional ₹400 crore under various schemes over the next two to three years.
“In 2018 during my visit to Baghmara, I had promised that I will do my best to develop South Garo Hills,” Chief Minister Sangma stated, adding, “We have listed different initiatives for the region and in the past seven years, we have implemented various projects worth ₹1400 crore.”
Chief Minister Sangma emphasized that South Garo Hills is undergoing a significant transformation, with new opportunities emerging for local residents. “South Garo Hills is slowly being transformed, with opportunities being created for our local people,” he noted.
Looking ahead to Meghalaya’s 60th year of statehood, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of inclusive development across all districts. He urged each district to envision and plan specific initiatives to ensure collective pride and celebration when the state reaches this milestone. “What will be the focus for Baghmara to promote, sports, infrastructure or trade— we have to envision and plan it out,” he challenged the gathering.
He also underscored the necessity of collaborative efforts for the state’s progress. “If we have to transform Meghalaya, government alone cannot do the turnaround; every citizen has to work together with a synergistic effort,” he stressed.
The Chief Minister expressed his satisfaction with the growth of the tourism sector in Baghmara, commending local entrepreneurship and the emergence of new homestays. “Government is there to support the 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 remarked.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Sangma highlighted the significant potential for South Garo Hills to benefit from carbon credit initiatives. He appealed to the local populace to continue protecting their abundant forests and rivers, recognizing the region’s rich biodiversity as an attraction for companies seeking to offset carbon emissions.
During the event, the Chief Minister launched the Meghalaya Economic Inclusive Program (M-EIP) and the CM Fellowship. He also distributed cheques to beneficiaries under the MegCARE scheme.
In a move to bolster educational and sporting infrastructure, Chief Minister Sangma laid the foundation stone for a synthetic athletic track and a new building for Captain Williamson Government Higher Secondary School.
The celebrations also included the felicitation of top-performing schools and students from the recent HSSLC and SSLC examinations.
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, were among the dignitaries present. Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma and Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri also spoke, acknowledging the Chief Minister’s dedication to the state’s overall growth. Ham Haverkort, Partnership Lead Asia, Rabobank Acorn, also addressed the gathering.
During his visit to Baghmara, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the newly constructed Prime Hub and inspected the revamped Baghmara Police Station, a project under the Chief Minister’s flagship Police Infrastructure Development Fund, emphasizing the government’s focus on robust administrative facilities.
