Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma unfurled the National Tricolour and took the Rashtriya Salute of 11 Parade Contingents on the occasion of 75th Republic Day celebrations today at Matchakolgre L P School Playground, New Tura. The parade contingents comprises of 120 Bn CRPF, 2nd MLP Battalion Goeragre, Tura DEF, Tura Government College, NCC, Boys and Girls, Don Bosco College Tura NCC Boys and Girls, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School Combine NCC, Combined Scout and Guides contingent including Band Party from 2nd MLP Battalion, Goeragre which was led by Parade Commander Deputy Superintendent of Police, Krison R Marak.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma extended his heartfelt greetings to the people of the State on this auspicious day and reaffirmed the commitment to the ideals enshrined in the Constitution and also pays solemn tribute to leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. B R Ambedkar, Sardar Vallabhai Patel and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose also remembering the patriots from the region U Tirot Sing, U Kiang Nangbah, Pa Togan N Sangma and other unsung heroes.
He also paid homage to the martyrs from the armed forces, paramilitary forces and police forces who have laid down their lives in protecting the rule of law.
Mentioning the significant progress in the overall law and order situation in the State, he said that the border dispute between Meghalaya and Assam has also been resolved following the historic signing of memorandum of understanding last year.
Stating that in the last five years the Government has implemented different programmes and policies in the State to make the State among the top ten States in India adding that the State should have a vision and mission to move forward.
Mentioning that there are about 11,000 Kilometres of roads in Meghalaya he said that almost 4000 Kms of roads were made in the last five years and infrastructures for building new block offices, school building and renovation has also been started.
When the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) started in 2019 the Chief Minister said that Meghalaya had less than 5000 functional tap connections which is less than one percent household, but today the state has reached to 77 percent and has also received bonus funds for successful implementation of JJM scheme every year.
Referring to the various police outposts in the state he mentioned that the engineering wing has been established for smooth implementation of necessary infrastructure and repair works in the police department.
Further, in order to develop sport activities in the state, the Chief Minister said that the State-of-the-art sports infrastructure at all levels is being built and the most iconic of these projects include the recently inaugurated Wahiajer Multi ports Complex at West Jaintia Hills and Pa Togan Nengminja Sangma Athletic Stadium in Tura, West Garo Hills. He also mentioned that P A Sangma Integrated Gallery will be constructed where about 8000 to 9000 people can be accommodated adding that the ongoing construction of Indoor Stadium at the back of P A Sangma football stadium will accommodate Olympic standard swimming pools, tennis court, volleyball court and other contact sports facilities. Moreover, a gallery for about 6000 to 7000 seating capacity will be constructed at the Pa Togan Sangma Track and Field Athletic Stadium in Tura with hotel and guestrooms.
He also mentioned that Rs. 105 crores has already been sanctioned for construction of New Mini Secretariat and Integrated Administrative Complex in Tura for which the land has been identified and would begin the tendering process by March 2024 tentatively. Further, a comprehensive plan for starting a New Administrative City, a modern and state-of-the-art township is being developed for which about Rs. 2000 crores would be utilized for this project including different roads, water supply schemes and the New Secretariat Building. He further informed that this New township is necessary in order to decongest the city and added that foundation stone has been laid for three important roads recently to improve the road connectivity between Shillong and New Shillong township. Moreover, work has been started to build Mini Secretariat in Jowai and Pynursla also, he said.
Stating that the year 2024 has been good for the State as well as for Tura, the Chief Minister said that the people of Tura should be proud since the President of India had visited Tura and that the Meghalaya Games had also been organized here for the first time and which has been successful with the hard work and cooperation by the district Administration, sports department and the people with their participation and beautification works. Another memorable occasion for the people of Tura is the inauguration of the long pending Raj Bhavan in Tura, he said.
Emphasizing the importance of Information and Technology today, he said that the first phase of Shillong Tech Park has been completed while the second phase has started and added that money has been sanctioned for building the first phase of Tech Park in Tura.
Further, in order to reach the top ten states in India, the Chief Minister said that along with the infrastructure development, the public including farmers, entrepreneurs, youth, women self help group should be given opportunity, empower them economically and have introduce the mission mode programmes such as Focus, focus plus and many others for creating sustainable livelihood and employment in rural areas.
Mentioning about the success in exporting the Lakadong Turmeric to far off places like Dubai, Japan, Europe, etc he said that the Government is focusing on Processing and value addition adding that Meghalaya produces broomsticks worth almost 1000 crores every year and many other raw materials and therefore, he stressed on establishing processing units so that the farmers can earn more for their products in future.
Moreover, stating that the youth are the greatest asset of the state, he said that the youths of the region should channelize in the right direction by providing opportunities and ensure that they are responsible, god fearing, disciplined, hard working citizens of the state.
Moreover, on the occasion, the Chief Minister acknowledged the contribution of each and every citizen of the district, and urged each one to work even harder for the progress, welfare and development of the State and continue to achieve greater heights in making Meghalaya a better place for future generations.
The other highlight of the day’s celebration comprises of colourful dances and patriotic songs performed by school students including a tableau presentation by various departments of the district.
On the occasion, the Chief Guest Conrad Sangma presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Rodrick D Shira for his outstanding and exceptional achievements, contributions and excellent service to the people of the State and the nation as a whole. An Alumnus of the prestigious IIT Kharagpur in Electronics and Electrical Communication Engineering, he has been awarded Gold medal for Electronics in 1967 and started his career in Fertilizer Industries as Process Control Engineer and worked in FCI Sindri and have served in different places in various capacities. Being selected by Public Enterprise Selection Board (PESB) in 1998 he became the Director of Production in the Bongaigaon Refinery and Petrochemicals limited presently Indian Oil Corporation Limited and retired in the same position in 2003. In 2017, he was selected as the First Vice Chancellor of Captain Williamson Sangma’s Technical University at Jewilgre by the Government of Meghalaya.
Further, the Chief Guest also presented the Certificate of Appreciation in respect to Water and Sanitation Award to Kama Galwanggre Village and Babadam Village and the Award for the Top Performing PHC to Darengre PHC which was selected based on the overall performance under MHIS and AB-PMJAY implementation in the district.
The Certificate of Appreciation to the staff of various department in the district namely Lendith N Sangma from PHE Office, Tura, Pran Gobinda Saha from District AH &Veterinary Office, Tura, Ningring M Sangma from Medical Department Tikrikilla, Crystone T Sangma from Dalu PHC, Chrisdy Myithaline A Sangma and Anna Mary M Momin both from District Social Welfare Office Tura, Bijoy Joshi and Wisefield D Marak from Tura Distribution Division, MePDCL, Tura, Willen Ch Marak and Uttam R Marak from District Horticulture office, Tura, Ankur Newar and Jesse Ch Sangma from Superintendent of Police, Tura, Bidalling Airo A Sangma from Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Tura, Marcyldha K Sangma and Mellorious Ch Marak from District Sericulture Office, Tura, Sulata Hajong from District Handloom Office, Tura, Damseng R Sangma and Tenny Boshen R Marak from DC Office (Revenue) Branch, Tura. These awards were presented by Dr. M G R Kumar, DIG, Western Range, Tura.
In the Tableau presentation, the Tura Municipal Board bagged the First Prize for the scientific approach to Waste Disposal for Greener Tura, the District Commerce and Industries Centre the Second Prize for presentation of the Prime Minister’s Vishwakarma Scheme and the Election Department, the Third Prize.
Further, the Chief Guest, Conrad K Sangma also flagged off the Vehicles for Bilgaro Republic Day Run 2024 which focused on road safety awareness and fostering a sense of camaraderie among participants. It was organized by the Tura Motor Sports Club, Tura.
Later in the afternoon games and sports were organised for children and Exhibition Football match between DC XI and Medical XI was also organized at P A Sangma Stadium, Dakopgre, Tura.
The Republic day celebrations were also held in Raksamgre and Dadenggre Civil Sub-Divisions where Limison D Sangma, MLA and Brening A Sangma, MLA were Chief Guests respectively.
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