Correspondent
DAMAS, MAY 18: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday strongly criticized what he described as “politically motivated individuals” spreading fake news and attempting to claim credit for developmental initiatives undertaken by the NPP-led government.
Addressing a public programme in Damas, North Garo Hills district, Sangma asserted that the government has consistently placed the interests of the people at the centre of its development agenda, with policies guided by public welfare and the protection of indigenous rights.
“We as a government have kept the people’s interest at the core of our development and have been working in the best interest of our people. We are putting the rights of our indigenous people at the forefront,” he said.
Without naming political opponents, Sangma alleged that certain groups were using social media to propagate false claims and gain publicity by taking credit for infrastructure and welfare projects implemented by the government.
On the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), he highlighted the government’s decision to make Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates mandatory for contesting elections, describing it as a long-pending demand ignored by previous administrations. He added that a Delimitation Committee has been constituted and preparations are underway for a separate electoral roll for the GHADC.
Sangma also pointed to broader development efforts, citing progress in roads, healthcare, and education, alongside a shift toward data-driven governance through initiatives such as the Family ID Card system. He emphasized support for farmers, women, and youth through targeted welfare programmes and entrepreneurship schemes, including PRIME and CM-Elevate, which provide training, mentorship, subsidies, and credit support.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to dialogue over confrontation, Sangma said: “People can see through what we are doing. Social media traction may create attention, but the real judgment will come from the people of the state. Our commitment remains to those who have placed their faith in us.”
He concluded by stressing that the administration seeks to empower communities peacefully, adding: “We love the community and never want to see any bloodshed.”
Sangma also announced the postponement of the Meghalaya Teacher Eligibility Test (MTET) scheduled for May 29 following appeals from teachers engaged in Census and SIR duties.
Speaking at a public programme at Damas in North Garo Hills district, Sangma said teachers had recently informed him about the difficulties they were facing in preparing for the examination while simultaneously handling classroom responsibilities and assignments related to the Census and Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
“The teachers are worried and in a dilemma, given their multiple concurrent assignments,” the chief minister said.