The Garoland State Movement Committee (GSMC) and the A’chik State People’s Front have called on Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to make Tura the winter capital of Meghalaya.
In a joint memorandum to the chief minister, the GSMC said this would not only address the long-standing demands of the A’chik community but also strengthen the administrative framework of the state.
Referring to the announcement made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, during the Republic Day celebrations that Tezpur would serve as the Raj Bhawan, while Silchar town will host a mini-secretariat and the office of the Chief Secretary, the GSMC said, “This move aligns with the growing trend across India of states establishing separate locations for administrative and executive functions to enhance governance and accessibility.”
The group argued that Tura, strategically located in the western part of Meghalaya, offers a viable and practical location for a winter capital, with its geographical advantage and readiness to support the infrastructure required.
Pointing out that various states in India have established multiple secretariat offices and Raj Bhawans to cater to the diverse administrative needs of their regions, the group also said Tura being the cultural and historical heart of the Garo Hills, is the ideal choice.
The groups further said that the chief minister and the cabinet must look into fair representation and equitable development and to ensure better governance, and enhancing the socio-economic well-being of the people of Meghalaya.
