A Correspondent SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma during his Republic Day speech said that the government wants to lay out the broad vision and the plan of the government for the overall development of the State in the short, medium and long-term. “Our vision 2030 is to transform the Meghalaya into a high-income State and to improve the well-being of every single citizen of the State,” the Chief Minister said. Conrad said that his governments vision has six core pillars – human development, primary sector rejuvenation, infrastructure expansion, entrepreneurship promotion, environmental protection and governance reform. He said that a lot of work has happened on each of these pillars in the last two years and the State Government has a clear plan to move forward in the next three years. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said that the government is building on its strengths and overcoming the challenges. Conrad pointed out that the States greatest strengths is its youth. He said that 75 per cent of Meghalayas population is below the age of 34 and 37 percent is in the age group of 15-34 years. “We understand that this huge resource needs to be empowered with quality education and skills so as to realize their full potential,” the Chief Minister said. Accordingly the government has laid a lot of emphasis on secondary and higher education, on skill development and on entrepreneurship. “In secondary education, Ekalavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) are planned to be set up in all the blocks of the State. Eleven such schools are already sanctioned at a cost of Rs 24 crore per school. Land has been identified for the construction of these schools and DPRs are under preparation. Many initiatives are also being planned for higher education, of particular importance is the idea of Community Colleges. These community managed institutions will provide higher education at the doorsteps of rural population with financial support from the Government,” Conrad said. The Chief Minister also said that his government believes that entrepreneurship will be the key driver of growth and employment in the coming years for our State. Conrad Sangma said that the sectors with the greatest natural and comparative advantages are high-value agriculture, high-end eco-tourism and new age industries like music and fashion. He also pointed out that the state is blessed with diverse agro-climate zones, which enable us to grow a range of high-value agriculture, horticulture and floriculture items including Lakadong turmeric, honey, oranges, strawberries and flowers like anthuriums and chrysanthemums. “Various initiatives have been taken to improve the production, productivity and marketing of these produce. The Lakadong Mission, the Jackfruit Mission and the Mushroom Mission have been launched to systematically promote growth and value addition in these particular crops,” he pointed out. The Chief Minister also said that to promote marketing of the products, the government have launched an online platform, the Megha Mart, which will facilitate the sale and purchase of products sourced from local entrepreneurs. He said that this version of Amazon for Made in Meghalaya products will open up global markets to the States entrepreneurs and artisans. He said that another huge opportunity is food-processing industries. The Chief Minister said that Meghalaya is blessed with diverse and unique natural and cultural endowments, which can be capitalised upon to make the State the most sought-after high-value tourism destination in the country. He also said that another critical step for the promotion of high- value tourism is to start direct flights between Delhi and Shillong. “We have initiated the process for this and I am hopeful that we can fly directly from Delhi to Umroi in the month of March this year. I am very optimistic that with all these interventions, Tourism sector will finally reach its full potential in the State and become the true driver of growth,” Conrad said. Tura: At Tura, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong unfurled the national flag and took the salute of 11 Parade Contingents comprising of Meghalaya Police, DEF, Home Guards and Civil Defence, NCC Boys, Meghalaya Bharat Scouts & Guides, and Band Party of 2nd MLP Bn. at P. A. Sangma Stadium, Dakopgre, Tura. During the programme, the chief guest presented Certificate of Appreciation to the Best Village with regard to Water and Sanitation Committee under West Garo Hills district and for Village Level Entrepreneurs for their valuable efforts in citizen centric services towards the people of West Garo Hills through Digital India Schemes. The chief guest also presented the Awards of Recognition for Cooperative Growth in Rural Development sectors to Songandinggre IVCS, Dadenggre, Renggigre IVCS, Tikrikilla Block, Bakrime IVCS, Selsella Block and Chirongdik SHG of Baljek Agal under West Garo Hills District. Williamnagar: Social Welfare Minister Kyrmen Shylla unfurled the flag and took the salute of the 15 marching contingents comprising of 5th Meghalaya Police Bn., DEF, Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides and NCC at Rongrenggre Government Higher Secondary School playground. Ampati: Urban Affairs Minister Hamletson Dohling unfurled the national flag and took the salute of 13 marching contingents comprising of the Meghalaya Police, NCC, and Meghalaya Bharat Scouts & Guides at Ampati Mini Stadium. Jowai, Transport Minister S Dhar unfurled the national flag and took the salute of the 18 marching contingents comprising of DEF, SF-10, District Home Guards, NCC and schools at Jrisalein Playground. The celebration included tableau presentation, songs, dances, sports and distribution of gifts to inmates of Dr Norman Tunnel Hospital, Jowai Civil Hospital and Jowai District Jail. Khliehriat: PHE Minister Samlin Malngiang unfurled the flag and took the salute of the 15 marching contingents comprising of Meghalaya Police, NCC and schools at Khliehriat Higher Secondary School playground. Nongpoh: Fisheries Minister Comingone Ymbon unfurled the national flag and took the salute of the 16 marching contingents comprising of the Meghalaya Police, NCC, Meghalaya Bharat Scouts & Guides, schools and a Band from St. Pauls Higher Secondary School, Nongpoh at NSCA Mini Stadium, Pahamsyiem Nongpoh. Umden PHC bagged the Best PHC award, Commendation Award for CHC and PHC was bagged by Patharkhmah CHC, Marngar and Mawhati PHCs respectively. Also Read: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on power crisis in Meghalaya Also Watch: AASU and AAGSU reaction on Government of India signing Bodoland Accord with NDFB

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