Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma laid the foundation stone for the new Secretariat complex at Umsawli, New Shillong, on Tuesday.
The Secretariat complex, to be built on a 53-acre plot at an estimated cost of Rs. 1,188 crore, will be constructed in two phases.
The first phase will include 68 offices, a 700-capacity auditorium, and facilities for 1,829 staff members.
Phase 2, which will span 1.25 lakh square meters, will house the directorates, with 56 offices, space for 4,746 staff, and two auditoriums with 200-person capacity each.
The foundation laying ceremony, held on the 53rd Statehood Day, underscores the government’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure development in the state.
Sangma emphasised that the project represents not just the construction of a building, but the expansion of Shillong into a major growth centre.
He described the new Secretariat as a key part of the broader development vision for New Shillong, which will include investments in roads and a new knowledge city spanning 30 square kms.
Sangma further highlighted that the government has already planned investments totalling Rs. 5,500 crore for the New Shillong area, with additional investments of up to Rs. 10,000 crore in the pipeline.
“This investment will completely transform New Shillong city,” he said, adding that the Secretariat would act as a catalyst for the city’s growth.
The chief minister called the Secretariat a symbol of the state’s aspirations and a representation of its dreams.
“This is not just a building; it’s a symbol of hope and a testament to our commitment to progress,” Sangma stated.
He also addressed critics, asserting that the government is focusing on both infrastructure and social sectors, with flagship schemes supporting youth, farmers, and women to raise living standards and drive economic growth.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar described the new infrastructure as a step towards empowering the future of the state.
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Prestone Tynsong, the other Deputy Chief Minister, praised the chief minister for turning the vision of a new Secretariat into reality, a move that will ensure efficient administration and governance in New Shillong.
During the event, the chief minister also released social sector schemes worth Rs. 63 crore, aimed at benefiting 6,000 individuals under programs like CM Elevate, Focus, Green Meghalaya+, and various tourism infrastructure initiatives.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar, along with Cabinet Ministers Abu Taher Mondal, Ampareen Lyngdoh, Marcuise Marak, and Comingone Ymbon.
