Shillong, Jan 20: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma claimed that Meghalaya achieved more development compared to the years before 2018 while addressing people who gathered to celebrate its 52nd Statehood Day on Saturday at District Auditorium & Library, Tura,
In 2018, the NPP-led government assumed power and the victory was repeated in 2023 too.
Claiming more development, the chief minister, who was the guest of honour, said the state expenditure has doubled in the last five years that has resulted in transformative changes in various key sectors like roads, halth, education, sports and youth affairs and others.
“In the years before 2018, 1695 kilometres of PMGSY roads were constructed and from 2018 till today we have constructed close to 2526 kilometres of PMGSY roads connecting 600 villages as in contrast to the previous 70. Allocation for improvement of all block offices has been made with the process making considerable changes. All 2500 government schools were given sanctions for either a new building or in the process of renovation.”
The statehood day function was graced by the Governor of Meghalaya, Phagu Chauhan, as chief guest..
Governor highlighted that Meghalaya is emerging as a business and investment friendly destination. He urged our society to work together in creating a happy, progressive and drug-free society with sustainable development.
On the occasion, the names of Meghalaya Day Awards for this year were announced. Risingbor Kurkalang was awarded U Tirot Sing Award for Arts & Literature, Dr. Delphine G Momin received the Pa Togan Sangma Award for Social Services and Phrangki Buam was awarded U Kiang Nangbah Award for Sports & Games.
The chief minister said, “I would like to remember and pay my respects to our leaders who fought for our statehood in a peaceful manner and we as citizens enjoy this freedom today because of their vision and sacrifice and we are to take our state forward with this in mind.”
Sangma further spoke on the special focus given to the farmers, women and youth of the state whether it is in the form of Self Help Groups, music, entrepreneurship and sports.
Highlighting on the Meghalaya Games Sangma said that three of the five Meghalaya Games were held after 2018. He further assured that the Meghalaya Games would be an annual event that would be held in different regions on rotation with upcoming infrastructures to be setup in different districts.
Sangma congratulated all the winners of the Meghalaya Day Awards and thanked the recipients for their selfless contribution to the betterment of the state through their service.
A major event of the day was the release of the Meghalaya State Anthem and the State Logo to which the Chief Minister said, “It is with immense pride that the state cabinet has approved Official State Anthem after 52 years of statehood.”
The State Anthem was composed by Neil Nongkynrih, founder of the Shillong Chamber Choir, who has contributed immensely to the area of music for the state
15 state employees were awarded the Chief Minister’s Police Medal for Outstanding Service, 6 were given the Chief Minister’s Disaster Response Medal for outstanding service and 21 were awarded the Meghalaya Day Excellence Awards 2023 during the occasion.
The event was also graced by the presence of special guest Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister of Information and Public Relations, Chef Secretary DP Wahlang along with other officials and dignitaries.
