SHILLONG, FEB 13: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday emphasized the urgent need to create large-scale livelihood opportunities for the state’s youth.
He was addressing at the inauguration of the District Emporium at the District Commerce & Industries Centre (DCIC), Williamnagar, marking a significant step toward strengthening local entrepreneurship and promoting indigenous handicrafts and locally produced goods in East Garo Hills.
The chief minister noted that between 50,000 and 60,000 young people enter the workforce in Meghalaya every year, while government job vacancies number only around 1,200 to 2,000 annually.
Without strong economic interventions, he warned, the gap could lead to serious social and economic challenges.
“Our plans and policies must address this reality. If we do not create opportunities for our youth, it will result in economic, social and political pressures,” he said.
Referring to the state’s long-term development roadmap, he added, “Our vision of a 10-billion-dollar economy is not only about achieving growth, but about creating sustainable livelihood opportunities through key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, industry and commerce, and information technology. Where there is no vision, people will perish.”
The Chief Minister highlighted several major initiatives of the DCIC, including the ₹25-crore food processing unit at Tikrikilla, which supplies Nokma ice cream using raw materials sourced from local farmers; the ₹20-crore rubber processing unit at Songsak; and a ₹25-crore freezing and drying plant expected to be completed by April–May, which will support pineapple, orange and banana farmers across Garo Hills.
He also referred to the Rongara processing unit that manufactures A’wang chips as an example of value addition to local produce.
Emphasizing the importance of expanding market access, he said similar emporiums should be established across the state and suggested partnerships with self-help groups and private entrepreneurs to manage them professionally.
“The role of the department is to devise policies, implement schemes, and provide support,” he stated.
He urged young people to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging them to “be business and enterprise minded and take calculated risks,” while also outlining the growing livelihood opportunities emerging in the tourism sector.
In his remarks, Marcuise N. Marak, Minister for Public Health Engineering, Soil & Water Conservation and Housing, described the opening of the emporium as “a small yet significant boost for Williamnagar,” noting that the district is home to many skilled artisans who now have a dedicated platform to display and sell their products.
He said the facility would provide much-needed visibility and market access for local producers. Highlighting ongoing development in the area, he stated that under the leadership of Conrad K. Sangma, Williamnagar is witnessing tangible changes and transformation. He also thanked the Chief Minister for his continued support to the district.
Established as an initiative under the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) and implemented by the District Administration, East Garo Hills, the District Emporium provides a dedicated platform for local artisans, entrepreneurs, and small businesses to display and market their products.
The initiative is expected to enhance livelihoods, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to the sustained growth of the district’s local economy.
The programme also featured a musical performance by trainees of the DCIC and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by E.M.G. Momin, Functional Manager, DCIC, East Garo Hills.
By Our Reporter
