Time to sow seeds of success for next 30 years: CM Conrad K Sangma

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: It's time to sow fresh seeds of success to be attained in the next 20 to 30 years, stated Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on the 49th Statehood Day of Meghalaya on Thursday and recounted the various initiatives introduced already to achieve the objective.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that it is important to remember and honour the contributions of past leaders and forerunners of the State whose relentless efforts and sacrifices led to the creation of the hill State.

"Over the last 49 years, the State achieved several milestones in development, governance and individual excellence," said the Chief Minister while highlighting various achievements in the State.

"I salute all those individuals who have brought laurels to the State, over the years, in various fields including art, literature, music, sports, public and community service," he added. He told the gathering that the Government has ambitious plans to fast track the development process and work towards transforming Meghalaya into a model State. "Our goal is to take Meghalaya among the top 10 States within the next 10 years, in terms of per capita income and achievement of the 'Sustainable Development Goals'," added the Chief Minister.

Stating that thrust is been accorded to upscale the Infrastructure sector, he said, "The government is investing around Rs 1,200 crore to improve the major roads across the State. We are also in the final stages for bringing about a complete revamp of the Health infrastructure. Altogether 659 Health facilities shall be upgraded across the State."

Informing that the Government has prioritised the Rural sector, he said, "The expenditure under the MGNREGS programme is expected to touch Rs 1,600 crore this year which is a substantial increase from Rs 847 crore made in 2018-19. The rural women are also undertaking various livelihood-related activities as part of the vibrant SHG movement in the State."

On Agriculture sector, he said, "We have launched the 'Piggery Mission' on an unprecedented scale to make Meghalaya self-sufficient in pork production, improve the overall nutritional levels of our citizens, and also to create thousands of livelihood opportunities for our livestock farmers."

Stating that Meghalaya is achieving a major milestone in its 50th year, he said, "We will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Statehood and the 75th anniversary of India's Independence with a number of programmes and events. I will chair a committee comprising our Ministers, eminent individuals from various walks of life and officials to work out the programmes and events as we move towards the next Meghalaya day.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also felicitated the recipients of the 'Meghalaya Day Excellence Award-2020'.

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