Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 161/23

CM-ELEVATE LAUNCHED IN TURA

Honourable Chief Minister Shri Conrad Sangma launched the CM-ELEVATE an Integrated event in Tura on October 13, where reassuring that the program is aimed at engaging, employing, and empowering the youth of Meghalaya through entrepreneurship. The day also marked the distribution of Cheques under YESS Meghalaya Initiative.

The programme was initiated after a welcome speech by Shri Jagdish Chelani, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills. Addressing the August Assemblage, Honourable Chief Minister, Shri Conrad Sangma said, We want to emphasize on the role of each minister in making this initiative comprehensive and impactful. CM-Elevate is our flagship initiative designed to make our youth, the partners in the development of our beloved state. We have set ambitious goals, with the intention of creating entrepreneurship opportunities for over 20,000 individuals in the span of three years, across sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, tourism, and more. This initiative comes with a total investment of approximately 300 crores over three years. He informed that the government is providing financial support ranging from 35 to 75 percent of the project cost to mitigate the risks associated with credit. He called upon individuals from Meghalaya, registered entities, and non-registered collectives, such as Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Village Organizations (VOs), and Producer Groups (PGs) from Meghalaya, to apply for the program.

The Honourable Chief Minister Shri Conrad Sangma further added that the Tourism Department is offering four remarkable schemes under CM-Elevate. The Green Villa Scheme, the Homestay Scheme, the Motorhome Meghalaya Scheme, and the PRIME Tourism Vehicle Scheme are set to transform our tourism sector. These initiatives not only provide subsidies but also create job opportunities. The government is anticipating around 700 direct employment opportunities and numerous indirect jobs, benefiting the youth of Meghalaya.

Referring to the YESS Initiative, Shri Conrad Sangma also informed that the total application through YESS is around 1500. The programme also rendered focus on Prime Tourism Vehicle Allocation and Prime Agriculture Response Vehicles (PARVs). Accordingly, six Prime Tourism Vehicles were allocated to boost tourism in Garo Hills. These vehicles will enhance the tourist experience and support local tourism-related businesses. The Government has allocated 46 PARVs to empower the farmers and improve agricultural practices. These vehicles will help the farmers increase their productivity and sustain their livelihoods.

Another important scheme, on which the programme shed light was the Homestay Scheme. The Government has reached 76 beneficiaries through the Homestay Scheme in Garo Hills, thereby supporting the local communities by creating additional income opportunities through tourism. Notably, the Garo Hills have a total of 19,308 Self-Help Groups, playing a crucial role in empowerment and development. An impressive 136.85 Crores have been disbursed to support the activities and projects of these SHGs. This financial support is driving local entrepreneurship and economic growth.

Outlining the importance of Green Meghalaya, the Honorable Chief Minister said, We've disbursed Rs 6.56 crores to support eco-friendly projects under the Green Meghalaya program. This investment in sustainable initiatives is helping preserve our natural resources.  The 290 beneficiaries are environmental stewards, working towards a greener and cleaner Garo Hills. The funds disbursed are a testament to our commitment to a sustainable and eco-friendly future. Notably, the Green Meghalaya initiative has already benefited 290 individuals in Garo Hills and the beneficiaries are contributing to environmental sustainability and conservation.

Press Release No. 162/23

CM LAYS FOUNDATION FOR RONGJENG FOOTBALL STADIUM

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday laid foundation for Rongjeng Stadium in East Garo Hills in presence of Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri and MLAs Jim Sangma  and Rupert Momin. The Stadium is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rupees 9.25 cr, which includes development of football ground and construction of spectators gallery. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma reminded the gathering of the vision of (L) PA Sangma, who had close affinity for Rongjeng and its people. The Chief Minister said that creation of Rongjeng Sub Division and other infrastructure which are coming up in the region, is a testament of the vision of (L) PA Sangma for Rongjeng. Talking about developing sports infrastructure, he said that in the last five years from 2018, the Government has spent Rupees 400 cr plus, compared to the past 45 years. He announced that in the next five years, close to Rupees 1000 cr will be spent to create sports infrastructure across the State. Since the inception of the State till 2018, not much was spent to develop and promote sports, but the MDA Government has realised the potential of sports and we have come up with programmes to promote sports in the State, he said.

He informed that the Government has envisioned to upgrade 25 football playground in the State with artificial turf. He said that different sports are being given thrust to further develop, so that the youth can take maximum advantage of the ongoing sports programmes. He also informed that Meghalaya Games 2023 will be hosted in Tura this year, which will be attended by over 3000 athletes from across the State. Our sole focus is to create better infrastructure and ensure that our youth are given the platform to unleash their talents, he stressed. He also took the opportunity to enlighten the people about the CM Elevate programme that aims to support entrepreneurs to set up different business ventures. He urged the people to take advantage of the CM Elevate programme.

Speaking on the occasion, Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri said that Govt is committed to promote sports in Meghalaya. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, we have been working to provide better sports infrastructure in the State. We want to make Meghalaya as a sports capital.

Press Release No. 163/23

CM INAUGURATE PRIME MUSIC INCUBATION GRAND FINALE AT TURA

Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma on Friday inaugurated the Prime Music Incubation Grand Finale  at District Auditorium, Tura. During the programme, he also released the Megong Festival theme song. 

Inaugurating the music incubation programme, the Chief Minister said, It is our responsibility to channelise the energy of our young citizens towards constructive paths. The music incubation programme will empower young musicians to unleash their potential. He further said that Government through various flagship programme is working to promote talent in sports and music and entrepreneurship in the State. 75 percent of the population in Meghalaya is young and it is incumbent on the Government to accord thrust to empower the youth. It is with this very spirit that Government is working in a systematic approach to ensure that an ecosystem is created for our youth to excel, he added.

Talking about prioritising youth welfare, he said, As a Government, we are committed to provide platform to our youth. We want to capitalise on the potential and the energy of our youth power. Informing that 70,000 youths enter the workforce annually in the State, which is likely to increase, he said, There are only 6 lakh people in our State above the 45 years of age and rest are young population and that is the reason that we as a State have put all our focus on programmes that elevate the potentials of our youth.

Reminding the gathering about his age old days, while he was growing up and music was his interest, he said, Those days, Government did not support music and we had very little opportunity. Today, with programmes like Music Incubation, our youth have the medium that will allow them to train and unlock their hidden potential. 

"There is a huge scope in the music sector in the State and we envisage to convert this to ensure that our music industry grows”, he added. He further informed that in the past three years, the Government has supported over 3000 artists through the Meghalaya Grassroots Music.