The SDG India Index 2023-2024 has laid bare the grim reality of Meghalaya’s position near the bottom, ranked 25th out of 28 states.
Reacting to the poor ranking of Meghalaya in the SDG index, Meghalaya Trinamool Congress leader Richard M. Marak today said that this dismal performance is a glaring indictment of the Conrad Sangma-led MDA government’s failures and misplaced priorities.
“Governance is a continuous process, but it seems the current administration doesn’t grasp this fundamental principle,” Marak adding that there are multifaceted issues plaguing the State which the government has failed to address.
He said that many projects and programmes initiated by the previous government under Dr. Mukul Sangma have been left to languish, mismanaged and incomplete, despite the funds being readily available.
“The current administration has failed to carry forward the intent behind these initiatives, showcasing a blatant disregard for progress. This negligence reflects a classic case of ‘throwing good money after bad’ leaving the people of Meghalaya stranded in the wake of broken promises and unfinished work,” Marak said.
He also alleged that the MDA government has let corruption run rampant, benefiting a select few while ordinary citizens are left in the lurch.
“Transparency and accountability are mere words with no substance behind them. Public funds are misappropriated with impunity, and crony capitalism ensures that wealth flows into the pockets of a privileged few. Conrad Sangma’s administration has turned a blind eye to corruption, allowing it to become the norm rather than the exception.” He added.
Marak said that “resources and wealth are being siphoned off to bureaucrats, politicians, and businesses from outside the State, leaving locals impoverished and disenfranchised”.
“Instead of building and fostering local capacity, the government has favoured outsiders, resulting in an economic drain. Why is Meghalaya’s wealth being funneled out while our own people suffer? Local entrepreneurs are sidelined in favour of outside interests, stifling local economic growth and breeding resentment. The government’s failure to support local businesses is a betrayal of our people,” he said.
Citing the SDG India Index 2023-2024 report, the Trinamool Congress leader also said that schools are in deplorable conditions, with only 20.5 per cent having electricity and drinking water and a mere 18.3 per cent equipped with computers.
“The education system is severely lacking. With such poor infrastructure, how can the future generation be expected to compete on a national or global level? What is the government’s plan to revamp the educational sector to ensure every child has access to quality education?” he asked.
Marak further alleged that the health sector is in dire straits, with inadequate infrastructure and services leading to poor health outcomes.
“The State’s abysmal performance on the SDG 1 (no poverty) and SDG 2 (zero hunger) indices highlights significant challenges in addressing under-nutrition and maternal anemia. The murder rate per lakh population is slightly above the national average, reflecting broader issues of safety and governance. The government’s inaction in these areas is putting lives at risk. Despite grandiose promises, poverty and hunger remain rampant. The State’s poor performance on these indices highlights significant challenges in addressing under-nutrition and maternal anemia,” he said.
Stating that basic and major infrastructure projects are plagued by delays and sub-standard work, Marak said that contracts are repeatedly awarded to the same contractors with poor track records. “How does the government plan to expedite critical projects and ensure timely completion?” he asked.
“Many vacant posts remain unfilled, with the government relying heavily on contractual employment. This undermines the stability and effectiveness of public services. Why is there reluctance to invest in permanent staffing where it is desperately needed? The State has lost 73 sq km of forest cover in three years, indicating a serious environmental governance issue. What measures are being taken to combat deforestation and promote sustainable environmental practices?,” he further said
“The Conrad Sangma-led MDA government has failed the people of Meghalaya. The administration must stop making excuses and start delivering tangible results,” Marak said.
