Shillong: Responding to the feedback, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced several new projects, including the sanction of Rs. 13.35 crore for constructing the Jongksha–Thynroit Bridge to boost connectivity in the region.
He also announced the development of an artificial turf field adjacent to the Indoor Stadium at Mawkynrew Constituency to promote youth engagement in sports.
Sangma made the announcements during the CM Connect programme held on Thursday at Thangsning village under Mawkynrew Block in East Khasi Hills District.
The initiative is a flagship citizen engagement platform that enables the chief minister to interact directly with people at the grassroots level, understand their concerns, and ensure that government policies reflect local priorities.
During the interaction, community members raised several issues, including the need for higher secondary schools, a community college, more Anganwadi Centres, a veterinary centre, improved MNREGA implementation, expanded water supply, and better road and bridge infrastructure.
The chief minister said 1,700 new Mini Anganwadi Centres will be established across Meghalaya within two years to cover all uncovered villages.
Until the new centres are ready, Mini Anganwadi Centres will operate from community spaces within three months.
He also informed that Rs. 60 lakh has been sanctioned for repairing and maintaining 20 existing centres under a state scheme.
On improving veterinary services, Sangma directed officials to ensure adequate staffing and medicine supply across all three dispensaries under the block.
“To improve efficiency and ensure equity, the government will restructure grants for Adhoc and SSA schools and rationalise school categorisation to strengthen quality education delivery,” he said.
Sangma added that many rural schools function as multi-purpose institutions serving LP, UP, and Secondary levels, and the focus will now be on streamlining and strengthening such schools to ensure access to quality education at every level.
Speaking about early childhood care, Sangma said the government’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) Mission takes a holistic, life-cycle approach from early years to adolescence, covering health, nutrition, and learning needs.
The chief minister also urged construction workers to register for labour cards to access welfare benefits under the Labour Cess Fund.
Addressing farmers’ concerns about seeds and farm equipment, he announced that the CM FARM+ and CM SEEDS schemes will be expanded with additional funding to support a wider range of agricultural activities.
Thanking residents for their participation, Sangma said, “Your valuable inputs and cooperation enable us to serve you better. Together, we will build stronger communities and ensure that every household benefits from our development efforts.”
