Raphael Warjri

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma laid the foundation stone for the ₹156 crore Additional Secretariat Complex at Dakopgre, Tura, marking what he described as a significant development for Garo Hills and the state as a whole.

Addressing a large public gathering, the Chief Minister reportedly described the project as a long-cherished aspiration of the people of Garo Hills, stating that the new infrastructure would bring governance closer to the people and ease access to various government services. He is said to have emphasised that the secretariat would cater to all five districts of the region, reducing the need for residents to travel to Shillong for administrative work.

He referred to the project as more than just a building, calling it a testament to the people's aspirations. According to Sangma, the complex would include facilities for the Chief Minister’s office, cabinet ministers, the Chief Secretary, and various departments, with the CM’s block expected to be completed by January 21, 2027.

The Chief Minister also spoke about the government’s broader infrastructure initiatives, including the ₹1800 crore New Secretariat being constructed in Shillong and ongoing mini secretariat projects in Jowai and Pynursla. He reportedly said that the government was designing administrative infrastructure with a 100-year vision to ensure that governance remains accessible and effective.

He further stated that equitable development was a key priority, and the government had initiated systematic planning to strengthen infrastructure at the district and block levels. He acknowledged the delay in development in certain areas, citing the example of South Garo Hills, where construction of the Deputy Commissioner’s office had only just begun despite the district recently observing its 33rd Foundation Day.

Sangma also informed the gathering about the recently announced ₹900 crore Tura bypass project, which aims to ease traffic congestion in the town. He added that while cities like Shillong, Tura, and Jowai were important, the government was equally focused on developing rural areas and working constituency-wise to achieve balanced progress.

The event was attended by Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma, Deputy Speaker Timothy D. Shira, Deputy Chief Minister Snaiwbhalang Dhar, Cabinet Ministers, and MLAs from across the Garo Hills. The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to all political leaders and parties for supporting the government’s development initiatives.