Baghmara: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma attended the “Our Magnificent Vision 2032 | Meghalaya” programme held at the Sports Complex in Baghmara, South Garo Hills, on Monday, marking the celebration of eight years of the MDA Government.
The programme highlighted the government’s continued focus on improved service delivery, sustainable infrastructure, and opportunities for all under the Vision 2032 roadmap.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister emphasised the government’s continued focus on inclusive and sustainable development, particularly in rural and forest areas. Reflecting on his engagements with the district, he said he had visited South Garo Hills several times over the past eight years and had always emphasised the importance of the district in the state’s development journey.
“In my first meeting here in my official capacity as the Chief Minister, I had assured that I would do my best to bring development and transformation in the district. Though we have not been able to meet all the aspirations of the people, we have worked hard to implement different developmental works in the district,” he said.
During his address, the Chief Minister presented an overview of major development initiatives undertaken in the district over the past eight years, with a presentation highlighting sector-wise investments and projects in South Garo Hills.
He informed that the government has invested significantly in key sectors, including Public Health Engineering projects worth about ₹354 crore, education projects worth ₹235 crore, and tourism initiatives worth about ₹90 crore. Under the homestay programme alone, ₹3.16 crore has been extended to beneficiaries to promote community-based tourism. Other initiatives include ₹5.7 crore under the CM Elevate programme, ₹7.18 crore under Green Meghalaya, and ₹11.24 crore under the FOCUS+ programme.
The Chief Minister said that the government has undertaken infrastructure projects worth about ₹2,144 crore in the district over the past eight years. In addition, he informed that the Greater Baghmara Water Supply Scheme Phase II, estimated at ₹140 crore and sanctioned by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, will soon move forward with the floating of tenders.
Stating that the total value of development projects in the district now exceeds ₹5,000 crore, he said, “With the completion of these projects, South Garo Hills will also be among the other developed districts of Garo Hills.”
He further remarked on the changing perception of the district, saying, “South Garo Hills, which was once known as the most neglected district, is slowly transforming into one of the most preferred districts.”
Highlighting the government’s development philosophy, he said economic growth must translate into tangible benefits for the people. He noted that initiatives such as FOCUS+ and other livelihood programmes have been designed to create opportunities, promote entrepreneurship, and strengthen rural incomes, thereby contributing to the state’s overall economic growth.
The Chief Minister also informed that registration for the FOCUS+ programme remains open and that the initiative will continue for the next two years. He urged eligible beneficiaries to visit their respective block offices to register and encouraged communities to work closely with the government to ensure the success of various development programmes and policies.
Minister for Housing, Public Health Engineering, and Soil & Water Conservation, Marcuise N. Marak, also addressed the gathering and spoke about the government’s vision for a “Magnificent Meghalaya.” He noted that under the leadership of the Chief Minister, the state is working towards building a $10-billion economy and becoming one of the top ten states in the country.
He highlighted the transformations taking place across sectors including education, roads and connectivity, healthcare, and infrastructure development. He also referred to key institutional projects such as the Additional Secretariat in Tura and the new Secretariat Township in New Shillong aimed at strengthening governance and administrative capacity.
Emphasising the importance of flagship initiatives, he spoke about the impact of the FOCUS+ programme in empowering farmers and strengthening rural livelihoods, as well as the Green Meghalaya initiative which promotes community-led conservation through incentives for protecting forest ecosystems. He also thanked “Team Meghalaya” for their collective efforts in advancing the state’s development agenda.
During the programme, the Chief Minister participated in the distribution of benefits under the Green Meghalaya initiative and the FOCUS+ programme. A total of 30 beneficiaries received incentives under Green Meghalaya amounting to ₹1,53,55,554, while 20 beneficiaries received support under the FOCUS+ programme with a total amount of ₹50,000 disbursed during the event. The programme also featured experience-sharing sessions by beneficiaries of both initiatives.
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Deputy Commissioner of South Garo Hills, Sumit Kumar Singh, in his welcome address said the programme reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that development reaches the last mile, including farmers in the most remote villages.
Speaking about the FOCUS+ programme, Farmers’ Collectivisation for Upscaling Production and Marketing Systems – he said the initiative seeks to transform farmers into entrepreneurs through financial inclusion, collectivisation and value-chain development. Under FOCUS+, the government provides a direct benefit transfer of ₹5,000 per household while encouraging the formation of producer groups to strengthen collective bargaining power and help farmers access larger markets.
Referring to the Green Meghalaya initiative, he said the programme represents a pioneering model of conservation through Payment for Ecosystem Services. The initiative has been expanded to include smaller landholders with a minimum requirement of one hectare of forest land, with incentives of up to ₹20,000 per hectare per year. Having already covered about 54,000 hectares, the programme aims to expand by an additional 50,000 hectares to strengthen carbon sinks and secure water resources for future generations.
Earlier, the programme began with the State Anthem and included a cultural performance of the traditional Wangala dance by students of Captain Williamson Memorial Government College.
The event was attended by officials, community leaders, and beneficiaries from across the district.
