Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday heard concerns of the people at the CM Connect programme held at Ranikor in South West Khasi Hills.
People turned up in large numbers to air their grievances on road connectivity, issues related to water, rising cases of man-elephant conflict, low farm production, amongst others.
Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, MLAs Pius Marwein and Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar were also present in the programme, which had the participation of senior government officials including Principal Secretary P. Sampath Kumar.
CM Connect is an initiative of the Chief Minister to reach out to the grassroot and directly engage with the community and resolve their concerns. The programme gives an opportunity to the public to raise their concerns in presence of Chief Minister and senior officials, which are heard and resolved to a large extent on the spot, while issues that requires attention are noted for urgent consideration.
During Friday’s CM Connect, a burning issue relating to standing crops and homes being damaged by wild elephants were raised by villagers of Mawpylun. To this, the chief minister, who also holds the Forest and Environment portfolio assured that the department will promptly respond to the matter.
On complaints that forest officials come drunk to respond to emergency situation of man-elephant conflict, the chief minister said stringent against will be taken against anyone found in dereliction of duties. “It is a matter of life and death for the people, and we will not tolerate negligence,” he underscored.
Taking opportunity of the CM – Connect platform, villagers from Nongnah spoke about the tourism potential in their area. To this, the chief minister promptly announced that government has already envisioned a road map to promote tourism, and an estimated amount of INR 30 lakh has been earmarked for construction of a resort including improvement of the road that connects to their village.
“Tourism is not just about buildings; it is about how you make visitors feel and how you involve your community. Let us ensure that our youth and women are included in this growth,” he said, while informing that the state government has accorded thrust to promote tourism and is building infrastructures to facilitate tourism, which creating a brand name for Meghalaya in the global tourism map.
Villagers from Keniang raised concerns on poor road connectivity, which poses hindrance for transportation of different agri – horti produces, particular bay leaves. The Keniang village is known for its bay leaves. To this, the chief minister assured to look into their concerns.
Villagers from Pomwadar, Tibbiching and Phlangdiolin spoke at length on the poor access of banking and healthcare services. The chief minister informed that their concerns will be look into and direction were given for introduction of mobile banking services in the area. He also assured that issues related to healthcare and education will also be taken up on priority basis.
Villagers from Khonjyo A expressed their concerns to the chief minister on various challenges being faced by the people living along the border areas, particularly on water and poor electricity coverage. Responding to their concerns, the chief minister directed the officially to resolve the issues amicably. On complaints of delay in Jal Jeevan Mission implementation, he asked the officials to ensure that the villagers are covered and completed within April 2025.
Farmers from different villagers in unison shared their sorry stories on low crop production and sought chief minister’s assistances, to which he said that the farmers can take advantage of initiatives like CM Farm Plus and avail support.
During the programme, the chief minister and other dignitaries handed over financial assistance under different welfare programmes to beneficiaries from Ranikor C&RD block.
