Shillong, Aug 15: Marking the 77th Independence Day of India, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday made 10 promises to the people of the state and outlined his government’s vision for the next 5 years, which will not only create 5 lakh job opportunities, but also realise his dream of making a ‘Magnificent Meghalaya’.
Terming the period 2023-28 as a watershed time for Meghalaya, he said the government’s plans in the human and social development sector over the next five years can be synthesized into ten promises.
These 10 promises are: Better roads and connectivity, Tap water supply to all households, Quality power supply everywhere, Internet connectivity in all villages, Improved housing to all eligible households, Early childhood services to every child, Substantially improved quality of education, Healthcare for all, Sports infrastructure at all levels and Expanded cultural and youth engagement infrastructure.
“We are working very systematically with all stakeholders and partners, including Government of India, Multilateral funding agencies, our communities, non-governmental organizations, and the media to convert these promises into reality,” he told the gathering at Polo grounds here after hoisting the national flag.
He, however, urged the citizens to prepare for global phenomena like Climate Change, technological disruptions, and the emergence of Artificial Intelligence. “We must think and act, both locally and globally. My government remains committed to securing the future of every citizen of the state. We will make every effort to double the State’s GDP and to create 5 lakh job opportunities,” he said.
The CM said the government will strengthen the implementation of Government of India programs and various externally aided projects. “We will also expand our State’s programs like FOCUS, PRIME, YESS Meghalaya, MOTHER, PROGRESS, and the Home Stay Scheme. New programs like CM-ELEVATE will unleash additional opportunities for the youth and entrepreneurs,” he informed.
He asserted that in the next five years, the MDA-II government will build a Meghalaya in which, “Farmer cooperatives will regularly export their produce to national and international markets; a Meghalaya which is rated as the best tourist destination in the country; a Meghalaya where most villages are covered with the basic services of schools, healthcare, roads, water supply, quality power, internet connectivity, housing, sports and cultural infrastructure; a Meghalaya where every child gets the best chance in life through support from pre-natal to adolescent stage; a Meghalaya which is a national leader in green interventions like payment for eco-system services and accessing carbon markets; a Meghalaya where women are equal participants in economic life; a Meghalaya where youth are skilled and entrepreneurial opportunities abound; a Meghalaya with vibrant urban centres; in short- a Magnificent Meghalaya.”
