SHILLONG:
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Saturday said that the government will ensure that no region is left behind in the state’s journey towards progress and prosperity.
He was speaking at a function to lay the foundation of a new office building of the Chokpot Sub-Division in South Garo Hills.
He said through various initiatives and efforts, the government has made rapid strides in many of the developmental indexes in the state.
“Our government will not leave out any remote area from Meghalaya’s growth story. We will ensure that people’s concerns are addressed at all levels. Through different initiatives and welfare schemes, we are reaching out to every nook and corner of the state,” he said.
“We cannot bring changes only by developing Shillong and Tura or town areas. Development should reach the remotest areas of the state. Even the people living in the remotest areas should have access to development that they deserve,” he said while reiterating the government’s resolve to see the state among the top 10 in the country in the next ten years with a holistic approach to ensure overall growth and progress.
Stating that 80 per cent of the population reside in rural areas, the chief minister said, “If the state has to progress we have to bring inclusive development on all fronts. All areas of the state should be accorded the same level of importance and fair share in the development initiatives of the government”.
Speaking at the event where the chief minister also laid the foundation for a road from 12 Mile along the Tura-Dalu route to Chokpot, a total length of 35 km, for strengthening, widening and blacktopping, he lamented the fact that Chokpot region has remained neglected for the past 50 years.
On the construction of a new road from 12 mile to Chokpot, the chief minister told the gathering that it will be an intermediate lane and will be constructed without any compromise. “It will be comparable to the best highways in the state,” he added.
On the construction of the new SDO office, he said, “New building will facilitate better delivery of services to the people”, while adding that the government has taken the initiative to develop infra in all blocks across the state.
He also informed that the new building for Chokpot Block has also been sanctioned by the government.
The government has sanctioned close to Rs 50 crore for the construction of the new road and Rs four crore for the new sub-division office building.
Williamnagar MLA Marcuise Marak, Siju – Rongara MLA Rakkam Sangma, GHADC CEM Albinus Marak, Deputy CEM GHADC Nikman Marak and other dignitaries attended the programme.