Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma visited Jatah and Syntung villages in the Mawkynrew Block, East Khasi Hills, on Wednesday to assess government initiatives and engage directly with local communities.
During his visit to Jatah, Sangma interacted with beneficiaries of the Jatah Nongklyer Integrated Village Cooperative Society (IVCS) and members of various Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
The participants shared their experiences in achieving economic stability through income-generating activities facilitated by government interventions.
They also requested the establishment of a processing unit to enhance the value of their products.
Addressing the residents, the chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
He emphasised the importance of integrating rural communities into the state’s growth narrative, targeting women, youth, and farmers.
“We want our villages to be part of Meghalaya’s growth story. Interventions in rural areas aim to involve every section of society in advancing the state’s progress,” Sangma said.
He highlighted the collaborative efforts of dorbars, SHGs, IVCS, and other stakeholders in ensuring last-mile development.
Encouraging youth and women to take ownership of community-driven projects, Sangma stated, “Shared responsibilities will help build self-sufficient and resilient communities.”
Sangma praised the Jatah IVCS for its integrated approach to tourism, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, describing it as a model for rural economic growth.
He emphasised the need to create not only infrastructure but also institutions that sustain livelihoods across generations.
At Syntung, Sangma was welcomed with a lively musical performance, which inspired him to announce Rs. 5 lakh for new musical instruments.
“Music is more than culture—it’s identity, expression, and even an economic activity,” he remarked.
The chief minister toured the Wah Rishi waterfall and visited the local strawberry plantation, interacting with 115 beneficiaries involved in cultivating high-quality strawberries.
He noted that Meghalaya cultivates 132 hectares of strawberries, contributing 4.26% of India’s total production.
Highlighting the state’s focus on financial security for farmers, Sangma introduced the CM-Assure programme, which stabilizes market price fluctuations to ensure fair remuneration for farmers.
Both villages are also engaged in broom grass cultivation.
Responding to community grievances, Sangma announced Rs. 5 lakh for constructing an SHG office in Syntung, underscoring the importance of strong community institutions in empowering women and facilitating access to financial services and markets.
The chief minister inspected the Syntung Sub-Center and commended health workers for their dedication in remote areas.
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He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing health infrastructure and providing housing for healthcare professionals.
Sangma also visited the Syntung Football Ground and Syntung Upper Primary School, which serves 151 students with eight teachers.
He announced Rs. 3 lakh under the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund (CMSDF) for musical instruments and assured further financial support for the school’s infrastructure development.
