Shillong, June 26 : Meghalaya took a significant leap towards strengthening grassroots governance and enhancing public service delivery in its rural areas with the inauguration of two state-of-the-art Integrated Block Development Complexes in Bhoirymbong and Umling, Ri-Bhoi District. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma presided over both events, emphasizing the government’s commitment to bringing administration closer to the people.
The Bhoirymbong C&RD Block Complex was inaugurated by Colbert Shadap, a veteran of the Indo-Pakistan Wars. Constructed at a cost of ₹4.5 crore with a built-up area of 1,930 square meters, the modern facility is equipped with e-service counters, training and conference halls, a showroom for Self-Help Group (SHG) products, and solar power. It is poised to benefit over 1.3 lakh residents in the block by providing easier access to essential government services. Chief Minister Sangma was joined by Community & Rural Development Minister A.T. Mondal, Umroi MLA Damanbhaï Lamare, Mawhati MLA Charles Marngar, Umsning MLA Dr. Celestine Lyngdoh, C&RD Secretary C.B. Sadhu, and other senior officials.
Later, the Umling C&RD Block Complex was inaugurated by Rani Maring, a prominent musician and traditional instrument maker, highlighting the government’s approach of having community leaders inaugurate developmental projects. This particular project, first proposed in 1980, marks a monumental achievement, completed after 45 years. Built at a cost of ₹5 crore, the new 2,050 square meter facility features a citizen facilitation center, integrated offices for various departments, and improved infrastructure for 82 staff members, serving 224 villages within the block. Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun was present alongside C&RD officials and local community members.
Addressing both gatherings, Chief Minister Sangma reiterated the government’s dedication to improving public infrastructure, stating that over ₹2,500 crore has been sanctioned in the past seven years for upgrading government offices, schools, and hospitals across Meghalaya. He underscored the critical role of these often-overlooked block offices in effective governance and service delivery. Referring to the completion of long-pending projects like the Umling complex, he remarked, “Every long journey starts with a first step. If we don’t begin, we will never reach our destination.”
The Chief Minister also announced ongoing digital and policy reforms aimed at decentralizing services to the block level. Under these reforms, most applications, certificates, and welfare services will soon be available directly at block offices, reducing the need for citizens to travel to district headquarters. He asserted that improved grassroots infrastructure is essential for achieving the State’s ambitious goal of becoming a US $10 billion economy by 2028. Key projects, including the expansion of the Umroi Airport and the ₹25,000 crore Shillong–Guwahati expressway, are integral to this vision, with Ri-Bhoi expected to play a central role in Meghalaya’s economic growth.
Community & Rural Development Minister A.T. Mondal, speaking at both venues, informed the public that ₹180 crore has already been invested to upgrade 46 block offices across the State, emphasizing that these improved facilities will lead to faster and more efficient services. Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun expressed gratitude for the fulfillment of a long-standing demand and urged officials to maximize the use of the new infrastructure. Umroi MLA Damanbait Lamare and other legislators commended the government’s efforts and called for continued support in strengthening rural administration.
The inauguration of these two integrated block complexes represents a major milestone in Meghalaya’s endeavor to deliver citizen-focused governance, providing enhanced access to schemes, documentation, and day-to-day services at the grassroots level.
