Is Improving Administrative Infrastructure Essential for Good Governance?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Shillong, Oct 28 (NationPress) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma emphasized that enhancing administrative infrastructure is a fundamental objective of his administration to guarantee effective service delivery to the populace.
He made these remarks during the inauguration of the newly built Block Integrated Development Complex (BIDC) located in the Pynursla C&RD Block of the East Khasi Hills district.
“Since 2018, improving administrative facilities has been one of our principal focuses. While the schemes themselves may remain unchanged, our aim is to ensure they reach the people more efficiently and effectively,” Sangma stated.
Good governance is achievable only when public service institutions are provided with the necessary facilities and an enabling environment for citizen service, he added.
The Chief Minister expressed his appreciation to the personnel of the Pynursla C&RD Block and the local community for their commitment to bringing this project to fruition.
He noted that previously, many of the 46 block offices throughout Meghalaya were lacking adequate infrastructure, with some operating out of as few as two rooms shared by multiple departments.
“You might find it astonishing that some block offices were operating from merely two rooms, accommodating four to five departments in the same space. Therefore, we resolved that every block should have a proper office—something that had been neglected for 30 to 40 years,” he remarked.
Sangma revealed that all 56 blocks in the state have been allocated funds for permanent office complexes designed uniformly. Many have already been inaugurated, while others are either under construction or in the tendering phase.
“Within a year or two, every block will possess a new office,” he assured.
Highlighting the broader developmental initiatives of the government, the Chief Minister mentioned that over Rs 150 crore has been allocated specifically for administrative buildings, alongside Rs 500 crore dedicated to school infrastructure and additional funding for police and health facilities.
Among those present at the ceremony were Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Arts and Culture Minister Sanbor Shullai, Commissioner and Secretary CVD Diengdoh, SDO (Civil) Evarinlla Warjri, and DRDA Project Director Peter T. Passah.