The State government has spent Rs 1400 crore worth projects for the development of South Garo Hills district and looks forward to sanctioning an additional Rs 400 crore in the next two to three years.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who attended the 33rd foundation day of the district on Wednesday, said various projects were implemented from 2018, as promised.
He said the government has given due attention for the development of the region. “South Garo Hills is slowly being transformed, with opportunities being created for our local people,” he added.
The Chief Minister assured that as the State gears up for 60th year of statehood, the target is to ensure inclusive development. “It is time for all the districts to plan and focus on different initiatives to ensure that when Meghalaya celebrates 60 year of statehood, there is a reason for each one of us to celebrate and be proud as a Meghalayan”, he added.
He highlighted that the government would focus on Baghmara towards promoting sports, infrastructure or trade and called on the citizens to work together with a synergistic effort.
Talking about growth of tourism, he said entrepreneurship ventures are growing in South Garo Hills, which is the beginning of the economic transformation that will secure the future of the citizens.
The Chief Minister also emphasised the importance of carbon credits and the potential for South Garo Hills to benefit from this initiative. He appealed to the local people to further protect their forests and rivers, highlighting the region’s rich biodiversity and its potential to attract companies looking to compensate for carbon emissions.
The Chief Minister also launched the Meghalaya Economic Inclusive Program (M-EIP) and CM Fellowship, and handed over cheques to beneficiaries under MegCARE.
He also laid the foundation stone for the construction of a synthetic athletic track and a new building for Captain Williamson Government Higher Secondary School.
The event also included the handing over of certifications to the best-performing schools and students in the recent HSSLC and SSLC exams.
Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma and Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri also spoke on the occasion, highlighting the Chief Minister’s attention and thrust towards the overall growth and development of the state.
Ham Haverkort, Partnership Lead Asia, Rabobank Acorn, also addressed the gathering.
During his visit to Baghmara, he also inaugurated the newly constructed Prime Hub and visited the Baghmara Police Station, which has been revamped under Police Infrastructure Development Fund, a flagship initiative of the Chief Minister.
He said that the government is providing adequate attention to create better infrastructure facilities for smooth administration.
In West Garo Hills, Sangma inaugurated the newly constructed school building of Dalu Government Higher Secondary School in West Garo Hills.
The two-storey school building was constructed under Mission Education Phase I, a state scheme launched in 2021.
During the visit, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the Dalu Immigration Check Post and the newly constructed bridge at Dalu over river Bakla which was damaged in the 2023 flood.
The bridge has been constructed at the cost of Rs 11 crore.
