Shillong, Nov 5: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday laid foundation stones and inaugurated a slew of development projects across West Jaintia Hills, during a day-long visit accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and Minister Wailadmiki Shylla.
Inaugurating the Block Integrated Development Complex of Thadlaskein C&RD Block, Sangma outlined the government’s three-pillar development model—infrastructure, personalised benefits, and preservation of culture and tradition.
He said nearly 70 per cent of infrastructure spending in recent years had gone to the sports sector, and highlighted direct transfers of around Rs 400 crore to students through scholarships, Rs 1,400 crore to Self-Help Groups – up from Rs 50 crore – and nearly Rs 300 crore to farmers through FOCUS+, CM Assure and other programmes.
Sangma also stressed involving traditional heads and community leaders directly in governance.
During the visit, the Chief Minister laid the foundation for the Integrated Hospital at Ummulong, inspected the Iawmusiang Shopping Complex and Thadlaskein Hospitality Complex, and inaugurated the Shooting Range at Khliehtyrchi.
He also inaugurated road projects totalling 38.16 km at Ialong, Jowai, Madur Thymme, Mukhla and Niriang, laid foundations for new roads at Sabah Muswang and Khliehtyrshi, and inaugurated additional school buildings and sub-centres.
Foundation stones were also laid for an Aquatic Complex at Jowai, synthetic athletic track and upgraded facilities at Kiang Nangbah Stadium, and football grounds at Mukhla Sohshrieh, Mukhla Umlangshor and Madan Thad Mukhla.
The Chief Minister felicitated achievers, including Pritam Sunar and Sawakani Lakiang for their outstanding wins at the World Fitness Federation (WFF) South East Asia Championship 2026 in Thailand, distributed start-up tools to 181 trainees, and handed over maternal and child care kits.
