‘CM Connect’ Strengthens Last-Mile Governance as Shri Conrad K. Sangma interacts with community members in Mawkynrew

Shillong: In a powerful demonstration of participatory governance, Meghalaya’s innovative CM Connect initiative, which directly connects citizens with Shri Conrad K Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister through public hearings and a multilingual as well as toll-free helpline (1971), is fast emerging as one of India’s most effective models of citizen-centric administration.

Taking the initiative to Mawkynrew in East Khasi Hills, Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, interacted with the community, addressing local issues and reaffirming his government’s commitment to last-mile service delivery.

Launched in February 2024, CM Connect is redefining the way governance reaches people, combining on-ground interaction with real-time grievance redressal. With over 30,000 citizens assisted, 15,000 direct interactions, and 92% satisfaction rate, the initiative is being viewed as a potential national template for responsive leadership, bridging the gap between citizens and policymakers.

At Mawkynrew, Hon’ble Chief Minister engaged with individuals and community leaders on issues such as road connectivity, agriculture, power, education, healthcare, and water supply. He issued on-the-spot directions to officials for time-bound resolution, reflecting the government’s ethos of listening, accountability, and action.

Before the interaction, Shri Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated the Thangsning Stadium, a modern sports facility envisioned to nurture local sporting talent and strengthen youth development.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Conrad K Sangma said, “It is a programme where we talk less and listen more. So, we are hopeful that through the CM Connect program, we are able to resolve the problems of the people. I would request that officers should feel happy that you are getting an opportunity to be with the people. You’re getting an opportunity to serve and to be able to solve their problems.”

Shri Banteidor Lyngdoh, Hon’ble MLA of Mawkynrew, raised key development issues including the demand for an artificial turf in Mawkynrew, improved water supply, and completion of the Jongksha–Thynroit bridge.

Responding, Shri Sangma announced several commitments aimed at strengthening infrastructure and public services.

On the request of Shri Banteidor on having an artificial turf at Mawkynrew, the HCM said, “We mentioned about the artificial turf. I am giving you a commitment today, right here in the CM Connect program. I’ve spoken to officials that they should expedite the DPR preparation, and it will be a gift from my side to Bah Banteidor who is the local MLA and to the youth of our constituency for the artificial turf that he has just demanded.”

Shri Banteidor also voiced his concern on completing the Jongksha-Thynroit bridge. Sharing updates on the bridge, the HCM added, “I’m happy to tell you that finally, the DPR is ready, and department will be sending it within a day or two days’ time to the Planning Department, and we expect the sanction to happen within a week’s time… the work for the Jongksha-Thynroit bridge connection will start within a couple of months’ time. So, these two projects are definitely happening.”

As far as the water supply in Nongjrong is concerned, the HCM informed that the source of the water is needed for purpose, even as he said that the payment of electricity for the water supply will be an issue. To this matter, Shri Pynshai Synjri, Sordar of Nongjrong, gave his commitment that the electricity bills will be managed by the community of Nongjrong. In response to his query for a hospital, the HCM assured that PHCs at Jongksha and Jatah will be expanded. Shri Edren Mawkhiew of Laitkyrhong raised concerns over prolonged power cuts, which will be fixed by renovating the Lad Smit-Jongksha line under Revamped Distribution Scheme (RDSS). Shri Pynbiang Kshiar of Umtong highlighted the lack of higher-secondary schools, which will be addressed by exploring school upgrades and rationalizing grants to ad hoc schools and SSA Schools. Shri Olet Kharsohnoh queried agricultural support (seeds/storage), which will be met with a new seed survey, an increased budget, and a solar-powered cold storage program. A resident Shri Maron Suting expressed concern on the delay in material payments under MGNREGS, the inability to capture the attendance of those who work under the MGNREGS, and the linkage of Aadhar. To this grievance, the officer concerned narrated the technical issues relating to the attendance and the e-KYC authentication. As far as the Aadhar issue is concerned, the officer has requested the people to enrol for Aadhar to get the benefits.  A resident Smt Lomida Nongkynrih from Thynroit asked whether a veterinary hospital can be set up in the area, to this the officer concerned informed that it is not feasible to set up a veterinary hospital. There are however, 4 veterinary facilities in Mawkynrew. The HCM has taken cognizance of the matter. Another resident Smt Pynsngewtynnad Rynjah sought queries on Anganwadi centers in far-flung areas, towards this important issue of providing nutrition, the HCM assured to look into the matter.

Later, Shri Conrad K. Sangma also inspected the Anganwadi Centres at Jongksha and Umkhoi, the Jongksha Stadium, and the Eklavya Model Residential School, interacting with officials and community leaders to assess service delivery on the ground.

The CM Connect initiative continues to strengthen Meghalaya’s vision of governance rooted in public dialogue, technology, and accountability. Similar public hearings have been successfully held in Bhoirymbong, Betasing, Adokgre, and Laskein blocks.

Furthering accessibility, the CM Connect Centre at P.A. Sangma Stadium, Tura, inaugurated on August 30, 2025, now connects citizens to the government through a toll-free helpline (1971), available in five languages- English, Khasi, Garo, Pnar, and Hindi.

With structured feedback mechanisms, measurable impact, and high satisfaction outcomes, CM Connect exemplifies how technology and trust can together deliver governance that truly listens.