SHILLONG, OCT 28: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday inaugurated the newly constructed Mini Secretariat and Circuit House at Pynursla, East Khasi Hills District.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister lauded the completion of the two landmark projects, describing them as a reflection of the government’s vision for efficient, decentralized governance and better public service delivery.
“The Mini Secretariat and Circuit House at Pynursla symbolize our government’s commitment to balanced development and decentralization of administration,” he said.
“We want a one-stop system where citizens no longer have to run from one office to another for basic services. Our goal is simple — efficient governance and service delivery at the doorstep of the people.”
Quoting author Shiv Khera on doing things differently, he said, “When we started in 2018, the MGNREGS utilization was less than Rs. 500 crore. Today, it has touched almost Rs. 2,000 crore — not because of new schemes, but because we implemented things differently. Similarly, under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, where we earlier received around 4,000 to 5,000 houses a year, today we are touching 1.5 lakh houses annually.”
Explaining the concept behind the Mini Secretariat, the Chief Minister said, “The idea is simple. We want a one-stop shop — a system where people don’t have to go from one office to another. All departments at the Sub-Division level will function under one roof to deliver services faster and more efficiently. My vision is that in the near future, a person can submit their documents at the nearest office and come back after a week or ten days to collect them, instead of traveling long distances to the DC office.”
He expressed gratitude to the local community for their cooperation, particularly the Raid Shabong for generously donating the land for the project.
“This is not just a piece of land — it is a message to the entire state that communities and the government can work together for the greater good. What you have done today will be remembered in history as a gift to your people — one that will serve generations to come.”
He also acknowledged the efforts of the Deputy Chief Minister, saying, “Under the leadership of our Deputy Chief Minister, his constant push and commitment to his area and his people has made this project a possibility. The finishing and quality of work are excellent.”
“We are even contemplating adopting this design for all Mini Secretariats across the state so that people can instantly recognize them as centers of governance and service,” he added.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, in his address, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for prioritizing Pynursla in the State’s development agenda and commended the collective efforts that made the project possible.
“This will go deep down into the history of Pynursla Civil Sub-Division,” he remarked.
Others present at the occasion included Chief Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, Minister of Arts and Culture Sanbor Shullai, MLA of Sohra Constituency Gavin M. Mylliem, Commissioner and Secretary CVD Diengdoh, Advisor to the Government of Meghalaya HM Shangpliang, traditional heads, and other dignitaries.
By Our Reporter
