The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K. Sangma, today visited Khatarshnong Laitkroh C&RD Block for the inauguration of the newly constructed Block Integrated Development Complex by Shri Pailastar Kharkongngor, Sirdar of Elaka Laitkroh. The Chief Minister was joined by Shri Gavin M. Mylliem, MLA Sohra; Shri Matthew B. Kurbah, MLA Mawphlang; Shri Sampath Kumar, IAS Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya; Shri S.C. Sadhu, Director, Community & Rural Department; Smt. R.M. Kurbah, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills; Shri M.A. Challam, SDO (Civil) Sohra Sub-Division; and Block Development Officers of Khatarshnong Laitkroh and Shella-Bholaganj Blocks.
Addressing the gathering after the inauguration, the Chief Minister emphasized that a building is only as valuable as the people who work within it. He encouraged all staff to be dedicated, efficient, and people-oriented in their approach to governance and service delivery.
Following the event, Shri Conrad K. Sangma visited the newly inaugurated production unit of the Shubham Charitable Association, which focuses on producing sanitary pads to promote menstrual hygiene, women’s health, and environmental cleanliness. The Chief Minister appreciated the initiative for empowering local communities and providing employment to local residents, especially women.
Later in the day, the Chief Minister led a CM Connect programme at Mawkdok Playground, where he interacted directly with citizens and listened to issues faced at the grassroots level. He reiterated that such platforms are crucial for bridging the gap between policy and public need. He urged citizens to ensure Aadhaar linkage to avail various welfare schemes.
Shri Gavin Mylliem, MLA Sohra, welcomed the initiative as a meaningful way to address the concerns of the local population. Shri Matthew B. Kurbah, MLA Mawphlang, stressed the importance of such interactive sessions and urged the Chief Minister to organise similar programmes in Mawphlang Block as well.
During the community interaction, people raised a wide range of issues. In healthcare, villagers requested the setting up of Sub-Centres and Mini PHCs in remote areas, especially where road connectivity is poor. On education, concerns were raised about teacher shortages in certain schools. In terms of electricity, several areas in the KhatarShnong regions were reported to have connectivity issues due to difficult terrain. Road infrastructure, particularly in agricultural zones, was highlighted as an ongoing challenge.
Speakers also appreciated the visible improvements in the tourism sector and welcomed the Chief Minister’s proposal to introduce a dedicated tourism police cadre. In the water supply sector, villagers acknowledged government efforts but asked for further improvement in water distribution systems in rural homes, schools, and hospitals. On agriculture, a proposal was submitted for establishing ropeways in villages like Phong to help transport produce more efficiently.
The Chief Minister assured that all issues raised would be taken up seriously in coordination with the concerned departments. He also directed the Health Department to initiate the process of identifying locations suitable for setting up health sub-centres in hard-to-reach areas. Officers from various government departments were present to answer queries from the public and provide on-the-spot clarifications.
At the end of the interactive session, cheques were distributed to various Self Help Groups and community-based organisations to support rural development initiatives.
The day concluded with Shri Conrad Sangma’s field visit to Swer village, where he inspected the on-going Swer-Mawrah Water Supply Scheme, including the planned construction of the approach road. He also stopped at the nearby Ramakrishna Mission School, where he interacted with the school administration to understand their challenges and extended support for resolving key issues.