CM inaugurates new Block Development Integrated Complexes in East Garo Hills

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 29, 2025

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on May 28 inaugurated the newly constructed Block Development Integrated Complexes at Songsak and Dambo Rongjeng in East Garo Hills district.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Community and Rural Development (C\&RD) Minister Abu Taheer Mondal, Public Health Engineering (PHE) Minister Marcuise Marak, and MLAs Jim Sangma and Rupert Momin.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing grassroots-level governance. “When the MDA government took office in 2018, most C&RD blocks were functioning under extremely poor conditions. Many Block Development Officers (BDOs) did not even have proper office spaces,” he said.

“Recognizing the critical role of block-level offices in implementing rural development initiatives, we launched a comprehensive plan to upgrade the infrastructure of all C&RD blocks. We began with six blocks, and today, this initiative is being scaled up to all 56 blocks across Meghalaya,” he added.

The Chief Minister informed that the construction of these new complexes has been funded under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme an amount of Rs. 120 Cr, a central government initiative aimed at bolstering infrastructure development in states.

He also underscored the broader efforts of the government to improve infrastructure across key sectors. “Our administration has been focused on strengthening rural infrastructure, including in health and education, to bring about holistic development in Meghalaya,” he added.

Taking the opportunity, the Chief Minister also urged citizens to enroll for Aadhaar, stressing its importance for the implementation of various central government schemes. “Meghalaya continues to have one of the lowest Aadhaar enrollment rates in the country. To ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the delivery of government schemes, Aadhaar linkage has been made mandatory. We urge all citizens to come forward and complete their enrolment,” he said.

The newly inaugurated complexes are expected to significantly enhance administrative efficiency, improve public access to essential services, and provide a more conducive working environment for government staff.