Shillong, February 28 : In a first of its kind, the Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, on Tuesday delivered the Budget Discussion Reply in an unprecedented manner, leveraging available technology to directly engage with citizens.
Breaking new ground in governmental communication, the Chief Minister presented his reply on the Budget discussion digitally. The Chief Minister’s reply was broadcasted on the giant screen inside the House and simultaneously streamed across social media platforms including YouTube and Facebook via the Meghalaya Assembly Channel.
The Chief Minister’s digital presentation is a pioneering approach that not only enhances transparency but also empowers citizens by furnishing them with comprehensive insights into the State Government’s goals and initiatives. By facilitating direct access to detailed information, the digital presentation ensured broad-based engagement and active participation from citizens in the budgetary process.
During his reply to the Budget Discussion, Sangma outlined the Government’s ambitious. mission of propelling Meghalaya into a $10 Billion Economy and generating 5 Lakh employment opportunities. He elucidated the Government’s long-term vision for the state, and highlighted iconic projects poised to redefine Meghalaya’s landscape.
The Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Thomas A Sangma, has consistently reflected on the Assembly’s commitment to adopting a sustainable approach in the conduct of legislative business of the House.
This Budget Session marked a significant step in this direction. Throughout the session, the distribution of hard copies of lists of businesses, questions, motions, resolutions, etc., was limited, and the necessary documents were instead uploaded on the NeVA website and the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly website.
In a historic first, the Chief Minister also presented the Budget Estimates for the year 2024-25 in a paperless format. The Budget Speech was made available to the public on the NEVA website.
The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly is actively pursuing a transition towards becoming a fully paperless Assembly. This initiative underscores the Secretariat’s dedication to modernization, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
