Meghalaya Democratic Alliance govt celebrates 4 yrs in office

Shillong: A special ceremony was organised by Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government for completing 4 years in office, at U Soso Tham Auditorium on Tuesday.

The MDA completed its fourth year on March 6. However, the programme was held on Tuesday.

Speaking to the media, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma highlighted the achievements of the MDA govt. Calling it a historic and memorable day that this programme was held on International Women’s Day, the CM said the state is proud of its two women administrative officers. 

“Would like to wish all the women of our state Happy International Women’s Day. It is the most appropriate time and year because on 50 years of Meghalaya statehood, two top administrative position are held by women. The Chief Secretary and Special DG who are both women and indigenous tribe. It’s a great year and memorable 50th statehood,” said Sangma.

Also read: Meghalaya HC asks CS to stop illegal mining in state without delay

Recalling how four years of his governance went by and the challenges that they faced, Sangma said there were several challenges and, apart from many situations, the COVID-19 pandemic which hit the globe has been one of the biggest challenges. 

He stated that but despite the challenges, several programmes like a number of development activities, infrastructural projects, programmes for youth and women were taken up. 

“The MDA government was able to improve the development index in every sector. While we speak about the achievements, we can’t say we achieved everything; we have done our best and we have seen changes taking place in education, health and many other sectors. One can’t say or expect for us to change all the challenges in four years,” said the chief minister.

Sangma said the index has gone up and improved in many areas – PMGSY, drinking water, self-help group, or even the overall spending of Meghalaya, which has increased by 33% from Rs 10,000 cr to Rs 15,000 crore.

When asked about the state not having a medical college, Sangma informed that the work to set up a medical college in Tura is under process. With the other medical college in Shillong the government has been facing challenges because work has not started despite an agreement. Sangma said the government has decided to scrap that agreement and move forward and are hoping they will be able to move the proposal for Shillong Medical College faster.

The chief minister refrained from commenting on illegal coal mining since the matter is sub judice.

Asked about the issue of school dropouts, Sangma said it is a concern since the dropout rates have been high. “This issue has multiple factors that lead to dropping out. Students don’t have the opportunity to study in higher secondary or colleges because of inadequate number of colleges. The government is trying to work on the youths by ensuring confidence building,” Sangma said.

The chief minister said the government has come up with a very specific programme for the youth, especially from rural areas. “Almost 40,000 youths will be targeted to overall develop a sense of confidence in them so that they are more keen to explore and able to take up higher challenges.”

Meghalaya legislators worry about missing teachers as schools reopen