SHILLONG : Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has said Eastern West Khasi Hills district is steadily progressing towards becoming a full-fledged district, with only a few departments yet to be established, five years after its creation.
Speaking at the district’s fifth anniversary celebration in Mairang on Tuesday, in the presence of local MLA and United Democratic Party (UDP) president Metbah Lyngdoh, Dhar said the district had made considerable progress but acknowledged that some administrative infrastructure was still pending.
“They are doing good work, but I cannot say that all departments have been given. More or less, it has almost become full-fledged. There are still a few that need to be brought in,” he said.
Dhar credited Lyngdoh for consistently raising the district’s pending demands with Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who had acknowledged the need for further development while pointing out that all requirements could not be fulfilled at once.
He thanked the local MLA for continuing to pursue the issues and said the Chief Minister had taken note of the concerns raised on behalf of the people.
Recalling his earlier association with Mairang, when he worked as a contractor and frequently stayed in the area, Dhar said the transformation in infrastructure over the years was clearly visible.
He pointed to improvements in government offices, roads and buildings, saying the region had undergone significant changes compared to the time he first knew it.
The Deputy Chief Minister particularly acknowledged the contributions of Metbah Lyngdoh, former Mawthadraishan MLA Brolding Nongsiej and the Members of the District Council (MDCs) in pushing the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government for the creation of the district.
Dhar said Lyngdoh had gone beyond verbal demands by repeatedly submitting written representations to the government.
He recalled Lyngdoh’s argument that Mairang deserved a separate district because residents faced difficulties travelling long distances to Nongstoin for administrative purposes.
Dhar also highlighted Mairang’s strategic location, connecting Ri-Bhoi, East Khasi Hills and West Khasi Hills, as an important factor supporting the demand for a separate district. He said the creation of administrative blocks such as Riangdo was also aimed at bringing governance closer to the people.
On the pending infrastructure, including the Deputy Commissioner’s office building and other departmental offices, Dhar said the proposals were being processed and urged residents and government officials to work together to speed up development.
He also paid tribute to the historical legacy of the region, describing Hima Nongkhlaw and Mairang as places associated with bravery and the contributions of legendary freedom fighters such as U Tirot Sing.
Highlighting the government’s development initiatives, Dhar said significant investments had been made in roads, healthcare, sports and power under the first and second MDA governments.
He also announced the distribution of 25,000 tool kits to beneficiaries under various skill development initiatives. The kits will include sewing machines, cooking utensils and tools for different categories of beneficiaries, including new mothers.
Dhar described the initiative as only the beginning of the government’s efforts to strengthen livelihood opportunities.
He further said funding for self-help groups (SHGs) had increased substantially, from less than Rs 100 crore before 2018 to more than Rs 700-800 crore at present.
He also highlighted around 35 government welfare schemes, including CM-Elevate, PRIME, YESS Meghalaya and HELLO Meghalaya, as part of efforts to improve economic opportunities and support communities.
Describing Eastern West Khasi Hills as a young district with considerable potential, Dhar expressed confidence that it would emerge as a flourishing and developed district in the coming years.