Williamnagar: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday attended the “Our Magnificent Vision 2032 | Meghalaya” programme at the Police Reserve Parade Ground in Williamnagar, East Garo Hills, where benefits under the Green Meghalaya and FOCUS+ initiatives were distributed to beneficiaries.
The event formed part of the celebrations marking eight years of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government and highlighted the state government’s focus on sustainable development, improved service delivery and livelihood opportunities.
Addressing the gathering, Sangma said the government continues to pursue clear development goals despite challenges in governance.
He noted that the administration is working to meet the aspirations of citizens across different sections of society while implementing various programmes with support from the Government of India.
The chief minister also shared a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of Meghalaya Day, in which the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the pace of development in the state.
Sangma said Meghalaya’s recognition as one of the fastest-growing states in the country is a matter of pride, adding that the government is working towards building a 10-billion-dollar economy.
He stressed that economic growth must go hand in hand with social development to ensure that the benefits of progress reach every citizen.
The chief minister said infrastructure projects alone cannot transform the state and highlighted flagship initiatives such as FOCUS+, Green Meghalaya and PRIME, which are aimed at strengthening livelihoods and promoting inclusive growth.
He also underscored the importance of community participation, saying programmes like Green Meghalaya demonstrate how local involvement can drive successful environmental conservation efforts.
Under the Green Meghalaya initiative, communities, clans and individuals are incentivised to conserve natural forests for a minimum period of 30 years, with financial support provided through a Payment for Ecosystem Services model.
The programme offers incentives of up to Rs. 20,000 per hectare annually and aims to expand conservation coverage to 50,000 hectares of forest land across the state.
Local MLA and Minister for Soil and Water Conservation M. N. Marak also addressed the programme and highlighted ongoing development initiatives in East Garo Hills.
He informed that 1,608 new beneficiaries have been added under the FOCUS+ scheme and that cheques amounting to Rs. 2.80 crore were distributed to both new and existing beneficiaries during the event.
Marak said the district is witnessing progress across sectors such as health, education, road infrastructure and connectivity.
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He also highlighted water supply initiatives under the Jal Jeevan Mission, stating that over 5.40 lakh households have been connected, although some connections are yet to become fully functional.
He assured that the government is working to address the gaps.
The minister further informed that the urban water supply project in Williamnagar is nearing completion and that Rs. 190 crore is expected to be sanctioned in the second phase for the construction of a water treatment plant in the town.
Earlier, East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner R. P. Marak welcomed the gathering and said the programme reflects the government’s continued commitment to supporting farmers and rural households through direct financial assistance under various initiatives.
Beneficiaries of both the Green Meghalaya initiative and the FOCUS+ scheme shared their experiences during the programme, highlighting how the schemes have supported forest conservation and strengthened livelihood opportunities for rural families.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Assistant Deputy Commissioner R. N. Sangma and a cultural performance by Michael M. Momin.
