Shillong (Meghalaya), Jan 21 : A grand function was held today at U Soso Tham Auditorium to commemorate the 49th anniversary of Meghalaya’s Statehood.
The function organised by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, was attended by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma as the Chief Guest and James P.K. Sangma, Minister Information & Public Relations as the Guest of Honour, along with Lahkmen Rymbui, Minister Home, A.L. Hek, Minister Health and other senior government officials and functionaries.
Addressing the gathering the Chief Minister said that as Meghalaya celebrates its 49th anniversary of statehood it is important to remember and honour the contributions of past leaders and forerunners of the State whose relentless efforts and sacrifices led to the creation of a separate hill state.
“Over the last 49 years, we as a State, have achieved several milestones in development, governance and individual excellence,” the Chief Minister said, while highlighting different achievements in the State.
“I salute all those individuals who have brought laurels to the State, over the years, in various fields, including art, literature, music, sports, public and community service,” he added.
He told the gathering that the Government has ambitious plans to fast track development process and work towards transforming Meghalaya into a model State. “Our goal is for Meghalaya to be amongst the Top 10 Indian States within the next 10 years, in terms of per capita income and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals,” the Chief Minister added.
Stating that thrust is been accorded to upscale infrastructure sector, he said, “Government is investing around Rs. 1,200 Cr to improve the major roads across the state. We are also in the final stages of making the plans for complete revamp of the health infrastructure, under which the 659 health facilities in the State shall be upgraded”.
Informing that the Government has prioritised rural sector, he said, “The expenditure under the MGNREGS program is expected to touch Rs. 1,600 Cr this year which is a substantial increase from the Rs. 847 Cr that was made in 2018-19. The rural women are also undertaking various livelihoods related activities as part of the vibrant SHG movement in the State”.
On improving the agriculture sector, he said, “We have launched the Piggery Mission on an unprecedented scale to make Meghalaya self-sufficient in pork production, to improve the overall nutritional levels of our citizens, and to create thousands of livelihood opportunities for our livestock farmers.”
Terming that Meghalaya is achieving a major milestone in its 50th year, he said, “We will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Statehood and 75th Anniversary of Indian Independence. A number of programs and events are planned to commemorate that historic day. I am setting up a committee chaired by me and comprising of our honourable cabinet ministers, eminent individuals from different walks of life and officials to work out the programs and events as we move towards the next Meghalaya day.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also felicitated the recipients of the Meghalaya Day Excellence Award 2020.
