Shillong, Sep 10: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma clarified that the Smart City Project aims to enhance citizens’ quality of life through better technology and infrastructure.
Regarding the Polo Shopping Complex, Sangma stated that as a government property, the goal is to maximize revenue from it.
However, the Chief Minister informed that the project faced challenges when the initial tendering process for the entire building didn’t attract any bidders, prompting the government to reconsider its approach and explore options like floor-wise or shop-wise allotment.
Nongkrem MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit questioned the government’s focus on constructing commercial complexes under the Smart City Mission, suggesting it deviates from the project’s core objective of improving living conditions, education, and other essential sectors.
In response, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar highlighted the project’s progress, stating that Meghalaya has achieved 77.81% completion of Smart City Mission projects as of July 2025. Dhar assured that more impactful projects would be included in the second phase.
Leader of Opposition Dr. Mukul Sangma asked if any audits are done on the completion of smart city projects, to which the Deputy Chief Minister replied that the department monitors the projects till its completion.
Sangma also questioned the CEO’s salary withdrawal from the Smart City project, although the minister claimed he didn’t have the information readily available.
