Sohra, January 11 : The second day of the Meghalaya Cabinet Retreat 2025, held in Sohra, saw a focus on community interaction, cultural immersion, and several significant announcements. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, along with Cabinet Ministers and senior officials, began the day with a trek to Siej village, Laitkynsew to explore the living root bridge.
During the visit, the Chief Minister announced initiatives for road upgrades, the construction of a new LP school, and the promotion of tourism in the village. He described the living root bridges as “Natural Skywalks,” highlighting their potential as tourist attractions.
The Chief Minister and his team interacted with Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Village Officers (VOs), commending their contributions to community development. He reiterated the government’s support for SHGs, citing initiatives such as financial assistance and interest-free loans. “This is the opportunity where we listen and interact, listen to your problems, and we can address the government,” stated CM Sangma.
Testimonies from SHG members and VOs highlighted the positive impact of these initiatives. Teihun Kshiar, a “Lakhpati Didi” from Nehlang SHG in Mawsmai, shared how SHG membership had transformed her life, providing a sustainable livelihood and empowering her to become an entrepreneur with a successful homestay. Pyntiplin Thabah, a VO from Mawmluh, spoke about the significant impact of SHG initiatives in his community, including awareness programs and planned training sessions on mushroom cultivation and soap manufacturing. An SHG member from Laitryngew village raised concerns about the difficulty of obtaining proper ID cards or uniforms, a suggestion noted by the Chief Minister. A VO from Laitkynsew requested a dedicated workspace for VOs, and the Chief Minister received applications regarding this request. The Sordar of Laitkynsew also requested an increase in funding for Village Health Councils to address emergency needs, to which CM Sangma responded that the impact of VHCs was evident and that the matter would be looked into.
