Shillong, May 18 Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday said that the National People’s Party-led government has consistently placed people at the centre of its development agenda, while accusing politically motivated groups of spreading misinformation and trying to take credit for the government’s achievements.
Addressing a public event in Damas in North Garo Hills district, Sangma said a section of people was using social media platforms to circulate “fake news” and mislead the public about government developmental initiatives.
“We, as a government, have kept the people’s interest at the core of our development and have been working in the best interest of our people. We are putting the rights of our indigenous people at the forefront,” the Chief Minister said.
He alleged that the same groups that now criticise the government were silent on long-pending issues that remained unresolved for years but were eventually addressed by the present dispensation.
Referring to recent controversies surrounding the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, Sangma said the government respected public sentiment and acted in accordance with the people's demands by making a Scheduled Tribe certificate mandatory for contesting the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council elections.
“There were protests on this issue in the past. Previous governments did not resolve it, but the National People’s Party-led government and the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council Executive Committee amended the laws to exclude non-tribals from contesting autonomous council elections,” he stated.
The Chief Minister also announced that a Delimitation Committee has been constituted, and preparations are underway to create a separate electoral roll for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council.
Sangma maintained that his government believes in dialogue rather than suppressing dissent through force.
“We want to bring resolution to problems. We believe in listening and talking to our people. We never want to see bloodshed and always want to lead society with love and compassion,” he said.
Highlighting the state’s infrastructure and welfare initiatives, the Chief Minister said Meghalaya has witnessed rapid progress in roads, healthcare, education, and rural livelihood programmes.
He also spoke about the rollout of the Family Identity Card system aimed at ensuring efficient delivery of welfare benefits.
Sangma further highlighted flagship schemes such as PRIME and Chief Minister-Elevate, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, supporting farmers, women, and youth, and generating local employment opportunities across the state.
--IANS
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