Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma reaffirmed his commitment to people-centric governance during the MLA Connect programme in Tura, addressing urban infrastructure, sanitation, electricity, water supply, youth development, and public welfare initiatives aimed at improving civic services and inclusive development across Meghalaya.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to people-centric governance and participatory development, stating that regular interaction with citizens is essential for ensuring effective implementation of developmental programmes and urban infrastructure projects across the state.
Speaking during the “MLA Connect” programme held at Matchikolgre in Tura town, the Chief Minister said the state government is focused on transforming Tura into a modern, clean, and well-planned urban centre through sustained investments in civic infrastructure, beautification initiatives, public amenities, and improved municipal services.
Sangma emphasized that direct engagement with residents enables the government and various departments to better understand the actual challenges faced by the public. He added that regular field visits and consultations help improve coordination among departments and ensure quicker implementation of projects at the grassroots level.
During the public interaction programme, residents, community representatives, local leaders, and youth organizations raised a range of civic concerns, including poor road conditions, drainage problems, sanitation issues, electricity billing, water supply challenges, and the need for improved urban infrastructure.
One of the major concerns highlighted by local residents was the difficulty faced in garbage collection during the monsoon season. According to locals, garbage collection vehicles are unable to access certain areas because slippery and damaged roads make movement difficult, leading to disruptions in waste management and sanitation services.
Responding to the issue, the Chief Minister directed the Tura Municipal Board to examine temporary solutions to ensure uninterrupted garbage collection in the affected localities. He also stated that the government would explore the possibility of introducing four-wheel-drive garbage collection vehicles in the future to improve accessibility in difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions.
Residents also informed the Chief Minister about the poor condition of a non-government primary school in the locality. Community members sought government assistance for essential infrastructure facilities, including a boundary wall, electricity connection, water supply, toilet facilities, and children’s play equipment.
Assuring support, Sangma said the government would examine the matter and take necessary steps for intervention wherever possible. In addition, a local youth body appealed for assistance in developing a basketball court and strengthening youth-related infrastructure in the area.
The Chief Minister responded positively to the request and pledged support by providing sports equipment and musical instruments to encourage sports, cultural activities, and constructive engagement among the youth.
The issue of high electricity bills following the installation of smart meters was also raised during the programme. Officials from the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited clarified that many households were previously billed based on estimated assessments or had no meters installed, whereas smart meters now record actual electricity consumption.
Officials further informed residents that a technical team would visit the locality on Monday to inspect the matter and verify complaints related to billing discrepancies. They assured the public that any genuine errors in bill generation would be corrected immediately after verification.
Apart from electricity concerns, residents also requested a joint or public water connection for households unable to individually afford water connection costs. Sangma assured that the issue would be reviewed in consultation with the concerned departments to find a practical solution.
During the programme, the Chief Minister also urged citizens to actively participate in the ongoing economic census, stressing that accurate data collection is important for effective planning of welfare schemes and targeted delivery of benefits, particularly for economically weaker and Below Poverty Line families.
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The “MLA Connect” programme forms part of the Meghalaya government’s broader initiative to strengthen responsive governance, improve urban infrastructure, and promote inclusive development across Tura and surrounding regions.
