Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 2/25

PLANNING, INVESTMENT PROMOTION, AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT GOVERNMENT OF MEGHALAYA

The Day-1 Cabinet Retreat was held at Sohra, attended by Shri Conrad K Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Hon’ble Cabinet Ministers, and Senior Civil Servants. The retreat comprised of interactive sessions focused on specific themes, aiming to foster dialogue and collaboration across departments. The retreat is scheduled from January 10 to January 11, 2025.

Addressing the gathering, at the Cabinet Retreat, Shri Conrad K. Sangma emphasised the need to align all stakeholders with the state's Vision 2032. He acknowledged that in their focus on internal departmental work, many teams tend to lose sight of the larger collective goals. "This particular platform will allow the departments to introspect", he stated.

The Hon’ble CM stressed on collaboration with various line departments, so that there will be optimum functioning of administration and governance, and said, “It is important for all departments, all Deputy Commissioners, Heads of Departments (HoDs), Ministers, and line officers to set clear, measurable targets based on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)which will act as drivingforce to achieve the Mission 10.It is only then will we have a holistic approach, a convergence approach, an approach which will give the right output for the amount of energy, resources and funds that we are spending .”

He urged all departments to align their annual targets with these KPIs, promoting a unified approach to achieving the state’s long-term vision.

Additionally, Shri Conrad K Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister, chaired a cabinet meeting at the Cabinet Retreat.

The retreat, a first-of-its-kind, featured thematic sessions on ‘Vision 2032’,‘Nurturing Social Ecosystem’,and ‘Infrastructure Focus Sector: Power’, conducted by various departments. These sessions aimed to foster dialogue and collaboration across departments, this event proves to be an opportunity to reflect and act towards the state's Vision 2032. Notably, in one of the sessions, it was highlighted that Meghalaya at present is showing a growth rate which is higher than the national average in the last three years, and the GDP for 2023-24 is Rs 53000 crore. In the last three years, the kind of growth rate Meghalaya has shown is real, with an average of 14 to 15 percent.

The Cabinet Retreat serves as a new initiative for fostering integration among departments, promoting cross-learning, and deliberation. The event aims to improve governance by providing a transparent forum for discussion, identifying gaps in collaboration, and working towards a unified goal of growth and sustainable development.

Press Release No. 3/25

PLANNING, INVESTMENT PROMOTION, AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT GOVERNMENT OF MEGHALAYA

The second day of the Cabinet Retreat 2025 witnessed the blend of community interaction, cultural immersion, and significant announcements. Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K Sangma, accompanied by Cabinet Ministers and senior officials, at the wee hours embarked on a trek to Laitkynsew village, where they explored the living root bridge.

During the trek, the Hon'ble Chief Minister announced several key initiatives, including road upgradation, sanctioned the construction of a new LP school in the village and tourism promotion of the village. These announcements demonstrate the government's commitment to community development, infrastructure growth, and social welfare.Moreover, the Hon'ble CM commented that the living root bridges are 'Natural Skywalk'.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister and his team interacted with Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Village Officers (VOs), lauding their efforts and commitment to community development. The Chief Minister emphasised the government's support for SHGs, highlighting initiatives like financial assistance and interest-free loans.Shri Sangma stated that this is the opportunity where we listen and interact, listen to your problems and we can address the government.

Smt. TeihunKshiar, Lakhpati Didi, Nehlang SHG, Mawsmai, stated that being part of the Self-Help Group had been a life-changing experience for her. She mentioned that it had provided her with a sustainable livelihood and empowered her to become an entrepreneur. She added that with the support of the SHG, she had been able to set up a successful home stay.

In another, PyntiplinThabah, VO Mawmluh, observed that the SHG's initiatives had made a significant impact in his community. He noted that despite facing challenges, the community had come together with a united vision. She mentioned that they had conducted awareness programs on critical issues and planned training sessions on mushroom cultivation and soap manufacturing to empower community members. In hertestimony,SHG member from Laitryngew village shared her challenges of issuing a proper Identity Cards or uniforms. CM took the suggestion.SHG member, VO Laitkynsew, requested an working station for VOs. Hon'ble Chief Minister received applicationsin this regard.

Sordar of Laitkynsew raised the concern that the amount they receive annually is not sufficient, hence apprised to increase the amount for Village Health Councils to address emergency related issues. Sangma replied that there are large numbers of clusters of VHCs we have seen the impact of the appointment of VHCs, we will look into this matter, CM replied.

The Cabinet Retreat 2025 concluded with thematic sessions that focused on Livelihood, Agriculture and Allied, Youth Development Engagement, and Water and Environment which senior department officials showcased their vision, objectives, achievements, challenges and support required followed by deliberations by the Hon'ble Chief Ministers and Cabinet Ministers.