Meghalaya’s CM Connect initiative has successfully assisted over 30,000 citizens since its launch in February 2024, achieving a remarkable 92 percent satisfaction rate. This success is attributed to a combination of public hearings and a multilingual toll-free helpline. On October 30, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma visited Mawkynrew in East Khasi Hills to engage with residents about pressing local issues such as road connectivity, agriculture, power supply, education, healthcare, and access to water. The program has facilitated 15,000 face-to-face interactions, enabling direct communication between citizens and the government.
Before addressing the community, Sangma inaugurated the Thangsning Stadium, a new sports facility aimed at fostering youth development in the area. During his remarks, he emphasized the initiative’s focus on listening to citizens. “It is a program where we talk less and listen more,” Sangma stated, encouraging his officials to appreciate their opportunity to serve the public and address local challenges.
Local MLA Banteidor Lyngdoh raised several development concerns during the meeting, highlighting the need for artificial turf in Mawkynrew, improved water supplies, and the completion of the Jongksha–Thynroit bridge. In response, Sangma committed to advancing the artificial turf project, stating, “I am giving you a commitment today, right here in the CM Connect program.” He assured attendees that the required documentation would be expedited, describing it as a gift to both the local MLA and the youth of the constituency.
Regarding the bridge project, Sangma provided an optimistic timeline, noting that the necessary documentation was ready for submission to the Planning Department, with work expected to commence within a couple of months.
Residents voiced multiple concerns during the session. Sordar Pynshai Synjri of Nongjrong committed to overseeing electricity bills related to water supply infrastructure, while Sangma assured the expansion of primary health centers in Jongksha and Jatah. Edren Mawkhiew from Laitkyrhong reported ongoing power cuts, which officials indicated would be resolved through upgrades to the Lad Smit-Jongksha line as part of the Revamped Distribution Scheme. Additionally, Pynbiang Kshiar of Umtong pointed out the lack of higher secondary schools, prompting discussions about possible upgrades.
Olet Kharsohnoh requested agricultural assistance for seeds and storage solutions, which will be provided through a new seed survey, increased budget allocations, and a solar-powered cold storage program. Resident Maron Suting raised issues about delayed material payments under the MGNREGS scheme, attendance tracking challenges, and problems with Aadhaar linkage. Officials noted technical difficulties with these systems, urging residents to enroll for Aadhaar to access benefits.
Lomida Nongkynrih from Thynroit asked for a veterinary hospital, but officials clarified that this was not feasible, pointing out the availability of four existing veterinary facilities in Mawkynrew. Pynsngewtynnad Rynjah sought information on Anganwadi centers in remote areas, with Sangma promising to look into the issue.
After the public hearing, Sangma visited Anganwadi centers at Jongksha and Umkhoi, as well as the Jongksha Stadium and Eklavya Model Residential School. The CM Connect initiative continues to operate through public hearings on the ground and a toll-free helpline (1971), available in five languages: English, Khasi, Garo, Pnar, and Hindi. A dedicated CM Connect Center was also established at PA Sangma Stadium in Tura on August 30, 2025. Previous public hearings had occurred in Bhoirymbong, Betasing, Adokgre, and Laskein blocks.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/meghalaya/story/meghalayas-cm-connect-programme-assists-over-30000-citizens-with-92-per-cent-satisfaction-rate-1297395-2025-10-30?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-10-30 23:06:00
