Shillong, 26th June 2025: Two newly constructed Block Development Offices at Bhoirymbong and Umling in Ri-Bhoi District were inaugurated today in the presence of Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, marking a significant step toward strengthening grassroots governance and improving public service delivery in rural Meghalaya.
In the morning, the Bhoirymbong C&RD Block Complex was inaugurated by Colbert Shadap, a veteran of the Indo-Pakistan Wars of 1965 and 1971. The modern facility is built at a cost of ₹4.5 crore with a total built-up area of 1,930 square metres in the presence of Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma and joined by Community & Rural Development Minister A.T. Mondal, Umroi MLA Damanbhaï Lamare, Mawhati MLA Charles Marngar, Umsning MLA Dr Celestine Lyngdoh, C&RD Secretary C.B. Sadhu and other senior officials.
The new complex is equipped with e-service counters, training and conference halls, a showroom for Self-Help Group (SHG) products and solar power. It is expected to benefit over 1.3 lakh people in the block, providing them with easier access to government services.
Later in the afternoon, the Umling C&RD Block Complex was inaugurated by Rani Maring who is a prominent musician and traditional instrument maker also in the presence of Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma and other dignitaries, thus having the community leaders inaugurate developmental projects. This long-pending project first proposed in 1980 and completed after 45 years. Built at a cost of ₹5 crore, the new 2,050 square metre facility includes a citizen facilitation centre, integrated offices for various departments, and improved infrastructure for 82 staff members. It will serve 224 villages in the block. Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun was present at the function, along with C&RD officials and members of the local community.
Addressing both gatherings, the Chief Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to bringing administration closer to the people. He stated that over ₹2,500 crore has been sanctioned over the past seven years for improving infrastructure in government offices, schools and hospitals across Meghalaya. He said that these block offices, though often overlooked, are critical for effective governance and service delivery. “Every long journey starts with a first step. If we don’t begin, we will never reach our destination,” he said, referring to the government’s resolve to complete long-pending projects like the Umling complex.
The Chief Minister also announced ongoing digital and policy reforms aimed at decentralising services to the block level. Under these reforms, most applications, certificates, and welfare services will soon be available directly at block offices, reducing the need for people to travel to district headquarters. He added that improved infrastructure at the grassroots level is essential to achieving the State’s goal of becoming a US $10 billion economy by 2028. Key projects such as the expansion of the Umroi Airport and the ₹25,000 crore Shillong–Guwahati expressway are part of this vision, with Ri-Bhoi expected to play a central role in Meghalaya’s economic growth.
Community & Rural Development Minister A.T. Mondal, speaking at both venues, informed the public that ₹180 crore has already been invested to upgrade 46 block offices across the State. He emphasised that improved facilities will lead to faster and more efficient services for the public. Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun expressed gratitude to the government for fulfilling a long-standing demand and urged officials to make the best use of the infrastructure. Umroi MLA Damanbait Lamare, along with other legislators, appreciated the efforts of the government and called for continued support in strengthening rural administration.
The inauguration of these two block complexes marks a major milestone in the State’s effort to deliver citizen-focused governance, with better access to schemes, documentation, and day-to-day services at the grass roots level.