Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma interacted with residents of Bhoirymbong yesterday as part of the CM-CONNECT initiative.
In something that Americans might describe as a town hall meeting, the CM answered queries and shared immediate action plans directing officials to resolve the matters raised with him.
Stating that the idea of CM-CONNECT is to bring the administration closer to the people, Sangma emphasised the importance of listening to the people firsthand and understanding their problems. He encouraged the public to share their issues and complaints with him, acknowledging that while he may not be able to resolve all problems immediately, addressing even half of them would bring satisfaction to both him and the people.
The CM-CONNECT helpline, 1971, was launched in February this year to ensure that the people of Meghalaya get to express their grievances and concerns directly.
A resident of Bhoirymbong block, Rangshanbor Kharbihkhiew, informed the CM that there was no water supply for the last two days upon which Sangma sought an immediate answer from the Public Health Engineering department and was informed that the matter would be resolved in 24 hours.
Baiahun Lyngdoh enquired as to why there is a delay in the release of free textbooks for lower primary schools. To this the CM directed education officials to buy books in advance and ensure that students get the necessary ones.
A farmer, Daplin Rymbai, raised a concern about not receiving any potato seeds. In response, Sangma directed officials from the Horticulture Department to take her contact information and ensure she receives the necessary seeds.
A group of local contractors raised concerns about pending bill releases. In response, it was clarified by the official from the Water Resources Department that the funds had already been released and that the processing was currently underway.
Later, the CM also distributed cheques for community funds to community-based organisations (CBOs), village organisations and self-help groups (SHGs) under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). This followed distribution of work orders under MGNREGA and handing over the symbolic key to beneficiaries for PRIME Agriculture Response Vehicles.
