CM Conrad K Sangma lays vision for Meghalaya @60, unveils 10 guarantees for 2032

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 16, 2024

On India’s 78th Independence Day, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma delivered a stirring address, setting the stage for a transformative decade as the state prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2032. The CM emphasized the vision of “Meghalaya @60,” laying out key initiatives and a comprehensive development agenda, aimed at propelling the state into the ranks of India’s top 10 states by GDP per capita and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) achievement by 2032.

The Meghalaya @60 Vision:

In his seventh Independence Day address, CM Sangma highlighted the significance of Meghalaya’s journey and the roadmap for the future. He stated that 2022 marked the beginning of the “Meghalayan Decade,” a period envisioned to bring exponential growth and prosperity to the state. “My dream is to create a Meghalayan Decade within the Meghalayan Age,” said the CM, underscoring the state’s aspiration to integrate sustainable development with local culture and traditions.

The CM also launched a “Vision 2032” document for public consultation, inviting citizens to actively participate in shaping the future of Meghalaya. “This is not just the Government’s 10-year target, but a vision for our collective future,” he emphasized, urging residents to share their aspirations and contribute ideas.

The 10 Guarantees for 2032:

Central to the CM’s speech were the “10 Guarantees” outlined under the Mission 10 program. These guarantees focus on critical areas such as road connectivity, water and power supply, housing, healthcare, education, social security, internet access, and community infrastructure. The CM noted that these guarantees would serve as the foundation for improving the quality of life for every citizen in the state over the coming decade.

He highlighted progress already made in some of these areas, such as the provision of tap water connections to 5.2 lakh households, up from just 4,500 five years ago. Similarly, the state’s road network has seen a significant boost with over 2,500 kilometers of new roads built in recent years, connecting even remote villages. The Government of India has also sanctioned INR 2,500 crores for new road projects based on Meghalaya’s strong performance.

Healthcare and Education: Building a Strong Foundation:

In his address, CM Sangma reiterated his government’s commitment to improving healthcare and education. He spoke of a 47% drop in maternal mortality and a 30% reduction in infant mortality. This record drop is attributable to the Chief Minister’s Safe Motherhood Scheme. Over 100 new sub-centers are scheduled to be constructed, with several already operational, and the Shillong Medical College is expected to open its doors by next year.

On the education front, the Mission Education program is progressing, with government schools across the state undergoing significant infrastructure upgrades. The introduction of the New Education Policy in all NEHU-affiliated colleges marks a major shift towards modernized learning environments.

Driving Economic Growth and Empowerment:

CM Sangma also laid out plans to drive economic growth through focused initiatives in agriculture, tourism, industry, and entrepreneurship. The state’s agricultural sector is being transformed with mission-mode projects targeting crops like Lakadong turmeric and pineapple. Additionally, the Government’s PRIME and CM-ELEVATE programs are empowering local entrepreneurs, with the latter targeting the creation of 60,000 livelihoods over four years.

Looking ahead, the Meghalaya Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy aims to attract INR 10,000 crores in investments over the next five years, boosting the state’s GDP and creating new employment opportunities.

Towards a Vibrant and Sustainable Meghalaya:

The CM highlighted the government’s efforts in building a sustainable future, including afforestation programs under the GREEN Meghalaya initiative and urban development projects in Shillong and other key cities. The CM-CONNECT program, designed to bring government services closer to citizens, was also spotlighted as a major step towards improving governance.

“On this important day, let us all commit to being more productive, enterprising, and empathetic,” CM Sangma said, inspiring citizens to join hands in achieving the vision of Meghalaya @60. “A destiny of being among the Top 10 states in the country by 2032, when Meghalaya turns 60.”

As Meghalaya charts its course towards 2032, the CM’s Independence Day speech marked a clear message: the state is ready to embrace a future of growth, inclusivity, and shared prosperity.