Meghalaya CM inaugurates development projects in West Jaintia Hills

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, laid foundation stones and inaugurated a series of development projects across West Jaintia Hills on Thursday, Highland Post reported. The visits covered a mix of health, education, sports and road infrastructure initiatives as part of the state government's three-pillar development model that emphasizes infrastructure, personalised benefits and the preservation of culture and tradition.

Infrastructure and health projects

The chief minister inaugurated the Block Integrated Development Complex of the Thadlaskein C&RD Block and outlined the model’s focus areas. He noted that nearly 70 per cent of recent infrastructure spending had been directed to the sports sector. Direct transfers highlighted included around Rs 400 crore to students through scholarships, Rs 1,400 crore to Self-Help Groups – up from Rs 50 crore – and nearly Rs 300 crore to farmers via FOCUS+, CM Assure and other programmes. During the visit, Sangma laid the foundation stone for an Integrated Hospital at Ummulong, inspected the Iawmusiang Shopping Complex and the Thadlaskein Hospitality Complex, and inaugurated a shooting range at Khliehtyrchi.

Road and sports facilities

Road work formed a major part of the day’s agenda. The chief minister inaugurated road projects totaling 38.16 km at Ialong, Jowai, Madur Thymme, Mukhla and Niriang, and laid foundations for new roads at Sabah Muswang and Khliehtyrshi. Additional school buildings and sub-centres were also opened. Sports infrastructure received several upgrades: foundation stones were laid for an Aquatic Complex at Jowai, a synthetic athletic track and upgraded facilities at Kiang Nangbah Stadium, and football grounds at Mukhla Sohshrieh, Mukhla Umlangshor and Madan Thad Mukhla.

Community initiatives and recognitions

The chief minister used the occasion to recognise local achievers, felicitating Pritam Sunar and Sawakani Lakiang for their wins at the World Fitness Federation South East Asia Championship 2026 in Thailand. He also distributed start-up tools to 181 trainees and handed over maternal and child-care kits. Throughout the programme, Sangma stressed the importance of involving traditional heads and community leaders directly in governance, reinforcing the state’s emphasis on cultural preservation alongside development.