In a remarkable event showcasing grassroots governance, Meghalaya’s Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K. Sangma, engaged directly with the people of Nongstoin Block in West Khasi Hills District as part of the transformative CM-Connect initiative. This fifth Block Level Community Interaction Program underscored the government’s commitment to bringing governance closer to the people, building trust, and addressing community concerns. CM-Connect, previously held in Bhoirymbong, Betasing, Adokgre, and Laskein blocks, has become a cornerstone of inclusive governance and participatory decision-making.
Addressing a gathering of over 2,000 attendees, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of CM-Connect, describing it as a vital platform for direct engagement with citizens. “This is perhaps the most important program for me,” he stated, adding, “It provides a platform where citizens can voice their concerns directly to officials and me. It’s like having an assembly session in every block—but here, it is you, the people, who get to ask questions directly.” The program’s interactive format, which seamlessly blended heartfelt discussions on pressing issues with lighthearted exchanges, was praised for fostering meaningful communication between the government and its citizens.
The Chief Minister announced a series of impactful initiatives during the event, with healthcare and infrastructure taking centre stage. He shared that the government has decided to extend financial support to mission hospitals run by not-for-profit organizations, aiming to strengthen universal healthcare through public-private partnerships and provide accessible medical services to remote areas. Additionally, he highlighted the ongoing efforts to revamp district hospitals across the State. Work has already begun in Tura and Jowai, with Nongstoin District Hospital next in line. The CM assured the community that all necessary resources, including infrastructure upgrades and equipment, would be provided to modernize these hospitals fully.
The Chief Minister’s direct engagement with the community during the CM-Connect program aligns with the broader goals of the Human Development Leadership Program (HDLP), which seeks to cultivate leadership at the grassroots level, enhancing governance and community involvement. HDLP is integral to the state’s vision of promoting human development by equipping leaders at every level with the tools to address local challenges and engage citizens in the development process. By encouraging dialogue, collaboration, and proactive problem-solving, the CM’s interaction with the community exemplifies the principles of HDLP, reinforcing the importance of inclusive leadership and decentralized governance.
Tourism development emerged as another critical focus area, with concerns raised by Sangriang village on Nongkhnum Island. Known for its stunning natural attractions, the village struggles with inadequate infrastructure, such as poor road connectivity, lack of parking facilities, and limited mobile network access. The Chief Minister acknowledged these challenges and assured the community of the government’s commitment to developing the region’s tourism potential.
Education and youth empowerment were also addressed during the program. Responding to concerns from Mawdiangkper village, the CM pledged to upgrade the local school to the Secondary level and enhance its facilities to accommodate students from neighbouring areas. Recognizing the growing need for employment opportunities, he encouraged community members to explore entrepreneurship, agro-processing, and tourism as key avenues for creating sustainable livelihoods. He emphasized that government schemes like PRIME are readily available to support such initiatives and urged the community to tap into these resources.
Healthcare delivery at the grassroots level received special attention, with discussions focusing on strengthening Village Health Councils (VHCs) and increasing funding for larger villages. The CM also expressed support for integrating irrigation and water supply projects into multi-purpose dam initiatives and assured the community of expedited proposals.
The event also featured significant initiatives aimed at empowering women and youth. Financial assistance in the form of ‘Community Funds’ was provided to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). M-Tabs were distributed to students, emphasizing the administration’s focus on digital education and skill development.
Recognizing the importance of direct community engagement, the Chief Minister assured that more such programs would be organized to strengthen governance at the grassroots. He called upon district officials and MLAs to proactively organise similar interaction programs and public hearings in their respective areas.
The program, held at the Nongstoin Football Ground, was attended by Shri Methodius Dkhar, Hon’ble MLA of Mawshynrut; Shri Gabriel Wahlang, Hon’ble MLA of Nongstoin; and key officials, including Shri Sampath Kumar, IAS, Development Commissioner & Principal Secretary; Shri Ramakrishna Chitturi, IAS, Joint Secretary, Finance Department; Swapnil Tembe, IAS, Additional Secretary, Education Department; and Garod L.S.N. Dykes, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of West Khasi Hills. Representatives from Nongstoin Block, including all village headmen, participated actively, reinforcing the initiative’s community-centred approach.
CM-Connect continues to bridge the gap between communities and governance, demonstrating the government’s unwavering commitment to progress and inclusion at the grassroots level.