Shillong: Meghalaya on Friday celebrated its 50th statehood day with a simple function organised at Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex amid strict Covid protocol, even as Chief Minister Conrad Sangma had to graced the historic occasion via virtual world after he tested positive for Covid-19.
Nonetheless, Chief Minister Sangma announced major developmental plans lined up over 300 projects to commemorate the golden jubilee celebration throughout the year.
During the day, a function was organised in which the state’s history and culture were showcased and also the state’s emblem and a commemorative postage stamp were unveiled by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong.
A foundation stone for the New Administrative Township was also laid during the programme.
Several dances and cultural shows were showcased during the day in which local as well as artists from outside the state performed. The Shillong Chamber Choir steal the occasion with their rendition of “Vande Mataram – I’m So Proud To Be an Indian”, which was written and composed by Padma Shri (late) Neil Nongkynrih, the founder and composer of the choral group.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the gathering virtually in which he lauded the state’s progress over the years. Modi said conservation and eco-sustainability are ingrained in the people’s lifestyle.
Modi also reiterated his assurance that the central government to work hand in hand with the young Chief Minister Conrad Sangma in realizing his vision for the welfare of the state.
The Chief Minister said, the state government has lined up over 300 projects to be inaugurated throughout the year.
“Therefore on an average there would be one project that would be inaugurated everyday,” he said adding, the state has come a long way from the day the state was created and lauded past governments and all citizens for the progress.
Stating that the state had just 150 km of National Highway when it was created, it now has over 1000 km of National Highway.
The Chief Minister said work is in its final stages as far as the construction of the state assembly building is concerned.
“In the next few months the state assembly building would be completed,” he said.
Moreover, an IT park is being built which would provide 1500 new jobs and further efforts would be put in to expand it so that more youths get employment opportunity in the IT sector.
Sangma also said the state government has finally decide to shift its administrative machinery to New Shillong Township and the project has been inaugurate and work on it will start soon.
“We would be building a planned city for the future on the 800 acre of land that has been acquired,” he added.
Sangma also mentioned that resolution to six areas of differences along the inter-state boundary with Assam would soon be arrived at.
Meanwhile, awards were also handed out to those who excelled in various fields such as arts and culture and others and a memory chest was unveiled in which all the important documents, memorabilia would be preserved and which would be opened after another 50 years.
