Shillong: The Meghalaya government has laid the foundation stone for a new secretariat complex in Tura, Garo Hills, marking a significant milestone in administrative accessibility. The Rs 165.8 crore project aims to bring government services closer to residents, enhancing citizen access and inter-departmental coordination.
Alongside the foundation stone ceremony, the government launched economic initiatives worth nearly Rs 8 crore. The state’s flagship FOCUS program received significant attention with the initiation of Rs 7.93 crore disbursement benefiting 4,610 Producer Groups across Garo Hills. This scheme, designed to strengthen collective farming and rural wealth creation, has gained recognition as a national model for agricultural transformation.
The ceremony witnessed the launch of multiple development programs, including the distribution of M-Tabs to 10 schools under the Digital Learning Aid scheme and the installation of sanitary pad vending machines in five educational institutions. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma also introduced Awang Chips, a jackfruit-based product from the Rongara PRIME Hub, reinforcing the state’s focus on economic innovation.
The government has planned various infrastructure upgrades, including a dedicated engineering wing within the Police Department and World Bank-supported renovations of police stations, Primary Health Centres, and Community Health Centres. Recent inaugurations include a double-lane steel truss bridge over Bakla River and 125 Community Centres launched virtually under the MegLife Project.
Beneficiaries from CM ELEVATE, FOCUS, and Self Help Groups shared success stories during the event, highlighting the tangible impact of these programs on rural livelihoods and economic empowerment. The Chief Minister emphasised the government’s commitment to grassroots-level administration, stating that efforts continue with sanctioned mini secretariats planned for Jowai and Pynursla.
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