Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma in his Independence Day speech highlighted the path Meghalaya is taking, thanks to his government’s efforts in the past four years
The CM hoisted the flag and took the salute of the various contingents at the annual function in Polo Ground.
This year marks 75 years of Indian independence as well as 50 years of Meghalaya statehood. Sangma remembered all the greats who fought for the country’s independence and also recalled the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters of Meghalaya.
In his speech, he also said that the state government will sanction Rs 250 crore to restore damage in areas that were grievously affected by flooding earlier this year.
“I am committing an investment of Rs 250 crore for the various restoration works. I am hopeful that we will complete the restoration works within the next six to 12 months,” Sangma said.
The Chief Minister also claimed that his government has built “enabling infrastructure” in the form of improved schools and hospital buildings, roads, and water supply schemes across Meghalaya.
He stressed on the fact that new stadiums, tourism, and urban infrastructure are being developed and all of this helped the state “progress miles ahead of where it stood before 2018”.
The CM also highlighted the fact that Meghalaya has performed well in the NITI Aayog’s innovation index and recalled that the central government has praised the implementation of the Externally Aided Projects in the state and has provided with additional grant funding to expand the projects.
Before concluding, Sangma claimed that Meghalaya is also amongst the best states in the implementation of programmes such as MGNREGS, Jal Jeevan Mission and PMGSY.
Specifically he highlighted the jump from 4,500 rural households with tapped water before 2018 to the current figure of 2.5 lakh as an example of success under the JJM. This has improved the lives of lakhs of women and children who have been saved from the drudgery of fetching water from far-off places, he said.
Similar events were held at district headquarters and other areas of the state. In Tura, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong hoisted the national flag and took the salute of 13 marching contingents.
Meanwhile, the High Court of Meghalaya also celebrated Independence Day on its premises. Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee was the chief guest on the occasion.
Both the CM and Chief Justice attended the ‘At Home’ function at Governor’s House, hosted by Governor Satya Pal Malik. Cultural presentations organised by the Department of Arts and Culture were highlights of the event.
