Shillong, Apr 17: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today inaugurated the Dalu Block Integrated Development Complex to enhance the local administration and promote developmental activities tailored to meet the community’s needs.
The Dalu Block Integrated Development Complex, built at a cost of ₹3 crore, is expected to facilitate various government services under one roof, ensuring that residents have easier access to essential resources. It encompasses various departments, including education, health, and agriculture, aimed at fostering comprehensive regional advancement.
Sangma expressed hope for an uplift in local living standards. He said streamlining governmental processes and improving accessibility, this project is expected to accelerate developmental initiatives in the region, empowering residents and fostering economic growth.
The chief minister also inaugurated the construction of Sonagre–Jijikapara Road Bridge No. 5/7 over Bugi River and the widening of the Kujikura–Dimapara Road into a double lane (at Jijikapara village.
The Sonagre–Jijikapara Road originates from NH-62 at Dimapara and connects to Megua Songmong (Rugapara), spanning 5.30 kms, with the total distance from Dalu (Barengapara) to Megua Village measuring 9.30 kms. Bridge No. 5/7 over the Bugi River, with a span of 90.00 metres, was sanctioned during 2022–2023 under the World Bank-funded CERC component of the Meghalaya Integrated Transport Project (MITP) at a cost of ₹1,499.95 lakh and executed by MIDAS Construction.
The bridge connects West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills across the Bugi (Bugai) River, linking Jijikapara with Megua Songmong under Chokpot C&RD Block and effectively closing a critical connectivity gap. It will benefit villages including Sonagre, Chandapara, Jijikapara, Abeagre, Awalgre, and A.simgre in West Garo Hills, and Megua Songmong, Megua A.bagre, Ruga Doldoma, Ruga Songmong, Chokpot, and Dimapara in South Garo Hills, covering an estimated population of 6,181.
The Kujikura–Dimapara road project involves widening to a double lane of a 4.00 km MDR stretch from the 146th km of NH-51 at Kujikura, Dalu, to the 199th km of NH-62 at Dimapara. Sanctioned under the State Plan for 2025–2026 at ₹2,374.48 lakh (vide order dated March 30, 2026), the work is being executed by JS & Company. The road serves as a vital link between NH-51 and NH-62, enhancing regional connectivity.
The project will benefit villages including Kujikura, Dalu Dapgre, Upper Bamanpara, Lower Bamanpara and Dimapara, with an estimated total population of 2,607, while significantly strengthening inter-highway connectivity.
Meanwhile, a felicitation programme was hosted for the chief minister at Babelapara Higher Secondary School in South West Garo Hills for the government’s decision to introduce the Structured Pay Framework (SPF) for fixed-pay teachers under the Education Department.
The school, a private institution catering to around 600 students and offering Arts and Commerce streams, organised the programme in collaboration with its School Management Committee (SMC) and the All Meghalaya Upper Primary & Secondary Deficit Pattern School Teachers’ Association.
During the programme, school authorities highlighted key challenges faced by the institution, including inadequate infrastructure and financial constraints, and appealed for government support to improve facilities and learning conditions.
The chief minister noted that the introduction of the Structured Pay Framework aims to ensure a transparent, equitable, and sustainable remuneration system for fixed-pay teachers, while strengthening service conditions and providing social security benefits.
Elaborating on the vision of the government, he stated that transforming the education sector remains central, as it is key to empowering youth and driving long-term socio-economic development in the State.
The chief minister sanctioned ₹20 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Development Fund for the school to support its infrastructural and developmental needs.
