Tura | June 19 | Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today laid the foundation for the Additional Secretariat Complex at Dakopgre Tura.
The ₹156 Cr project, is an outcome of the long felt aspiration of the people of Garo Hills.
Terming the project as ‘historic’ for the people of the state and particularly Garo Hills, he said, “…It is a day for each one of us to remember. We should express our gratitude to the almighty. The Additional Secretariat Complex is not just a building but a testament to the fulfilment of the aspirations of our people”.
He remarked that the additional secretariat will serve the people of Garo Hills, who had to face a lot of problem to avail different Govt services. The Additional Secretariat will serve the people of all the five districts of Garo Hills.
“The people can now look forward that most of the government services will be delivered from Tura. Hence, this is a very important project for the state and particularly Garo Hills and its people”, he added.
Taking opportunity, he told the gathering on the progress of the New Secretariat building which is being constructed at Shillong with an estimated amount of Rs 1800 Cr.
“…We are creating infrastructure, keeping in mind next 100 years. We want to ensure that administration is not just closer to the people but easily accessible”, he added.
Close to 8000 people witnessed the historic programme.
He also informed that with an objective to ensure equitable development across the state, the government has systematically planned intervention for districts and blocks.
“Be it new block offices, sub division building – old and new, district offices, health infrastructure, police infrastructure or Education, we have put our thrust for holistic development of the state”, he underscored.
“South Garo Hills marked its 33rd foundation day of the district yesterday but everyone will be surprised that the DC Office complex construction has just started”, he added.
Stating that there has been concerns for poor infrastructure in the region and the MDA government has scripted a road map to achieve its target to ensure that Meghalaya is one of the best states in the country.
“MDA Government has sanctioned funds for all blocks across the State. Administrative office in district and blocks, including police infrastructure has been renovated. We are also strengthening health infrastructure across the State”, he said.
“Bringing administration closer to people, it is not just a statement — but we mean it and doing it in a systematic manner”, he added.
He also took the opportunity to inform of the ongoing construction of Mini Secretariat in Jowai and Pynrusla.
“Administrative setup will ensure effective delivery of services to the people”.
The Additional Secretariat will have three complex and the Chief Minister’s complex will be completed by January 2027.
“We aim to inaugurate the CM complex on 21st January 2027 and provide make maximum services to the people”, he said.
The Additional Secretariat will have rooms for CM and his cabinet, Chief Secretary and other senior offices. It will also house offices of different government departments.
The foundation laying ceremony was attended by Speaker Thomas A Sangma, Dy Speaker Timothy D Shira, Dy CM Snaiwbhalang Dhar, Cabinet Ministers AT Mondal, Dr Ampareen Lyngdoh, Marcuise Marak, Shakliar Warjri, Rakkam A Sangma, Paul Lyngdoh, AL Hek, Comingone Ymbon and host of MLAs from Garo Hills.
The chief minister expressed his gratitude to all cabinet colleagues and political parties for supporting the vision and mission of the government.
The chief minister also took the opportunity to inform on the recently announced 900 Cr Tura bypass, which will decongest the Tura town.
“Shillong, Tura, Jowai, Nongstoin and Williamnagar— if we only develop towns and cities, we are not achieving our mission to make meghalaya developed, hence, our attention is to rural areas, district wise and constituency wise we are working with concerted efforts to develop”, he added