SHILLONG, SEPT 7: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday said Meghalaya has emerged as one of the fastest growing economies in the country, a turnaround from being at the bottom of various national rankings a decade ago.
He was speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of five projects by the Vice President of India during his maiden visit to Shillong.
Welcoming the Vice President, Sangma said, “At the very outset, I extend a warm welcome to the Vice President of India on his maiden visit to our state. I am sure this is the beginning of many more visits and a very strong bond between our state, our people and you.”
He recalled the friendship between the Vice President and his late father P A Sangma during their time together in the 12th and 13th Lok Sabha.”That bond, that friendship, that connection carries on till today,” he said.
Sangma said that although Meghalaya is only 54 years old and has faced many challenges, its biggest strength remains its community, traditional institutions and cultural identity that have protected the state for centuries.He credited the transformation in the last eight years to the support of the Centre, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“There was a time when it was not surprising to see Meghalaya at the bottom of rankings. But because of consistency, vision, teamwork, and the efforts of our youth, women SHGs and farmers, today Meghalaya is one of the fastest growing economies in the country,” he said.
The Chief Minister stressed that the state’s development model is holistic and not just about GSDP growth of 12.8 per cent.”Growth must impact every citizen, create opportunities for youngsters and value for farmers. It is not acceptable that our economy grows while mothers lose lives during childbirth,” he said.He informed that the state’s Maternal Mortality Ratio, which was earlier over 250 – double the national average – has been reduced by over 55 per cent, the highest percentage decline in the country.
“Our model is being discussed at the Prime Minister’s meeting and presented by our Chief Secretary,” he added.
On education, Sangma said Meghalaya had scored only 410 points in PGI indexing and was placed in Akanshi-III, the lowest category, while other states were above 500.”In two years, we crossed 520 and moved to Akanshi-I where 15 states are. That is the highest improvement seen by any state,” he said.
Sangma said while pursuing economic and social growth, the state must not forget its roots.
“Our culture, traditions and way of life is what grounds us and gives us our identity. We are proud of that,” he said.
He said the target set in 2018 is to make Meghalaya one of the top ten states in the country.
Describing the Vice President’s visit as historic, he said, “It makes us feel inclusive, it makes us feel wanted, it makes us feel that our leaders care about us.”
