Barengapara(Meghalaya), April 17: After 71 years of working from rented and run-down rooms, Dalu block got its own home Thursday. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated the ₹3 crore Dalu Block Integrated Development Complex at Barengapara, calling it a one-stop centre for over 12,000 households.
Set up in 1954 and made a sub-division in December 2022, Dalu anchors a border economy built on farming and cross-border trade. The new complex brings multiple departments under one roof so villagers no longer trek hours for forms, schemes, or grievance fixes.
The Chief Minister said block offices are the first point of service, but many ran under constraints for years. With Meghalaya now at 56 C&RD blocks, up from 24 at statehood, he said strengthening grassroots offices is how development reaches every home. He told officers the building is just concrete until they turn it into real service, urging patience for people unfamiliar with rules and paperwork.
Border Areas Development Minister Brening A. Sangma thanked the Chief Minister for sanctioning the office and asked citizens to use livelihood and economic schemes. He said peace is a must for progress, noting three local projects due in March were delayed by unrest in Garo Hills.
In-Charge DC Mary Lisa K. Marak gave the welcome, Gram Sevika Lehena C. Marak traced Dalu’s history, BDO T. N. Sangma proposed thanks, and Rev. Cherengre D. Sangma offered a prayer. Built for ₹3 crore, the complex aims to speed up coordination, scheme delivery and rural governance across the block.
