Shillong (Meghalaya), Aug 8: In a gathering that had the warmth of a close-knit community, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma made his way to Shangpung Moosyiem, Laskein, Community & Rural Development Block, West Jaintia Hills District as part of the flagship CM-CONNECT initiative today, August 8th.
With this being the fourth block-level interaction program, the energy at the event was infectious. Emphasizing the goal of CM-CONNECT to bring administration closer to the people, the CM actively engaged with the residents, addressed their queries & grievances, and provided on-the-spot solutions wherever possible and directed concerned officers to take remedial steps at the earliest. Encouraging the public to voice their concerns, he acknowledged that, while the government has many different set ups, it sometimes is unable to deliver its services up to the satisfaction of the people due to the disconnect that exists between the administration and the people. Therefore, this program is an effort by the Government to help bridge the gap between the public and the administration.
The event was a unique occasion where the CM, the local MLA, and officials from over 30 departments united to address public queries and tackle issues. The Chief Minister emphasized that while this initiative aims to address the concerns raised by the community, he also recognizes that not every problem may be resolved. “While it’s not possible to resolve every issue today, and some problems may remain unresolved, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t make every effort to address them,” stated the CM.
During the event, a range of emotions was captured as the community engaged with the Chief Minister, offering innovative solutions and sharing personal stories. One standout moment was when the Headman of Muthlong village proposed creating more efficient crematoriums to reduce pollution. The Chief Minister praised this environmentally friendly suggestion, expressing admiration for the initiative and commending the community for their forward-thinking approach.
Another poignant moment occurred when a female representative from Pasyih Village broke down in tears while highlighting the poor road connectivity affecting her village’s access to Sub Centres. Her heartfelt plea for better infrastructure resonated deeply, and the Chief Minister committed to addressing the issue promptly.
The Chief Minister acknowledged these concerns, promising to examine the issues, prioritize those that require urgent attention and resolve them through schemes such as Chief Minister’s Rural Connectivity Program, Chief Minister Special Rural Development Fund (CM-SDF), etc. The Chief Minister had also stated that innovative methods of pooling funds from various sources such as MLA schemes (SRWP), CMSDF and MGNREGA will be explored in order to bring about required community development. The interaction also served as a platform for the community to express their needs for better waste management solutions, enhanced water supply through the Jal Jeevan Mission, and the need for more responsive governance in implementing various schemes and projects. The Chief Minister and other officials pledged to follow up on the issues raised, focusing on implementing meaningful improvements for the residents of these areas. The Chief Minister specifically addressed concerns regarding the quality of supplementary food provided at ICDS centers, calling for an independent investigation and a comprehensive report from the department.
On the other hand, the Director of School Education confirmed that the school is included in the Mission School projects, with Phase 3 currently underway and Phase 4 planned for the near future, ensuring its completion.
Aside from discussing grievances, the event also highlighted communities that applauded the government’s initiatives. One woman, in particular, expressed her sincere appreciation to the Chief Minister for the Mission Lakadong program, which has made a significant contribution to the community’s economic growth. Her acknowledgment not only showcased the positive outcomes of the government’s efforts but also underscored the program’s beneficial impact on the local economy.
Meanwhile, a community fund of Rs 4.19 crores was distributed among five groups, including four Cluster Level Federations and one group of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Village Organizations of Cluster Level Federations (CLF).
As the day progressed, the Chief Minister emphasized his commitment to addressing every grievance raised, instructing the relevant departments to act promptly and diligently on each issue. Addressing the officials, he candidly urged them not to see the pressures of their jobs as mere burdens but rather as golden opportunities to serve the public better—not just today, but every day moving forward. “Let’s not just stop at CM Connect,” whether it’s DC Connect, BDO Connect, or even Doctors Connect. Make it a monthly thing!” He emphasized that these initiatives are powerful tools to genuinely improve the lives of people across the state, and it’s up to the officials to keep the momentum going.
It may be mentioned that over 30 people came up with their questions and with over 2000 people attending the program, it was evident that the community was at the heart of this initiative.
Participants in the event included key government figures such as the state Health Minister Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Cabinet Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Comingone Ymbon, Dr. Vijay Kumar D , Commissioner & Secretary, Finance Department, Ram Kumar, Secretary, Health Department, Batlang S. Sohliya, Deputy Commissioner of West Jaintia Hills District. Ramakrishna Chitturi , Joint Secretary, Finance Department, CEO MSRLS and Swapnil Tembe IAS, Additional Secretary, Education Department and DSEL. On the community side, representatives from Laskein Block, including all Headmen, participated actively.
