CM cites political stability as key driver; infrastructure push and welfare schemes take centre stage as govt marks 8 years
Shillong, March 28: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Saturday highlighted political stability, infrastructure-led growth and welfare expansion as key achievements of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government as it completed eight years in office.
Addressing a public programme at SRGT Football Ground here, Sangma said the government had navigated challenges while laying a “clear direction” for the state’s long-term development. Ministers, legislators, officials and beneficiaries from Khasi and Jaintia districts were present.
“Today, as we look back, we acknowledge both the challenges we faced and the opportunities we embraced. With the support of like-minded leaders and the people of the state, we have been able to create the momentum necessary to take Meghalaya forward,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasised that while the government does not claim to have achieved everything, it has laid a clear direction for the future. He underscored that this progress is not the result of any one individual but a collective effort driven by the trust and belief of the citizens in the leadership.
He underscored that political stability over the past eight years enabled consistent governance and decision-making. “Without stability, development is not possible,” he said, adding that the administration has built momentum through collective effort and public trust.
Highlighting infrastructure as a core focus, the Chief Minister said 1,576 projects have been initiated in the Khasi region, while projects worth around ₹21,000 crore are underway in Jaintia Hills. Key areas include road connectivity, tourism infrastructure and the development of the New Shillong township.
On welfare, Sangma said the government has prioritised inclusive and people-centric schemes. Under the PRIME programme, ₹32.7 crore has been disbursed over the past five years, while ₹136 crore has been invested in the homestay sector to boost tourism and livelihoods. An additional ₹40 crore has been allocated for promoting grassroots music.
He said environmental conservation remains a priority, with ₹120 crore allocated under Green Meghalaya initiatives to support community-led forest protection.
In education and livelihoods, nearly one lakh students have benefited from scholarships amounting to ₹60 crore, he said. Other initiatives include ₹146 crore under CM Elevate, ₹56 crore under LIFCOM for farmers and organisations, and ₹50 crore for floriculture—taking total welfare investments to nearly ₹500 crore.
Responding to criticism over spending on festivals and events, Sangma said such initiatives are aimed at positioning Meghalaya and Shillong on the global stage to boost tourism and economic activity, while ensuring welfare sectors remain unaffected.
During the programme, financial assistance and work orders worth several crores were distributed under schemes including FOCUS+, Green Meghalaya+, CM Elevate, LIFCOM and floriculture initiatives. The Chief Minister also felicitated 37 village heads for their role in environmental conservation.
Additionally, 128 community halls under MegLife and 34 warehouses and common facility centres under CM Elevate were virtually inaugurated.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment, Sangma said Meghalaya would continue to pursue “balanced and inclusive growth” aligned with the aspirations of its people.
 government as it completed eight years in office.){kind=link}