Rerapara, Oct 20, 2026: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday inaugurated the new building of the Rerapara Community and Rural Development (C&RD) Block, laid the foundation stone for the AMPT Road connecting Garobadha and Tura, and inaugurated a suspension bridge at Samandalgre in South West Garo Hills.

The programmes were attended by MLAs Subir Marak, Sanjay Sangma and Mehtab Chandee A. Sangma, along with Nokmas, district and block officials, and local residents.

During the inauguration of the new block office, the Chief Minister felicitated the Aking Nokma of Rerapara for donating land for the construction of the building, expressing gratitude to her and the local community for their generosity.

Addressing the gathering, Sangma emphasised the crucial role of Block Development Offices in delivering government schemes and public services, stating that efficient functioning at the block level could resolve a significant proportion of public grievances.

“Secretariat may be the highest-ranking office, but work-wise, the most important is the Block Development Office. Maximum schemes and public services are implemented through the block. If the BDO and staff work efficiently, 75 percent of public concerns will be resolved,” he said.

The Chief Minister recalled that nearly 70 per cent of block offices across Meghalaya had previously operated from small rented premises with inadequate space for officers and staff. He said the government had undertaken a statewide initiative to upgrade block offices, with nearly Rs. 200 crore sanctioned for the purpose.

He added that the government’s infrastructure development efforts extended to other sectors, including the construction and renovation of more than 2,000 government school buildings, the renovation of police stations, and improvements to college infrastructure in institutions such as Captain Williamson Sangma College in Baghmara, Williamnagar College and Nongstoin College.

Describing himself as the captain of Team Meghalaya, Sangma urged government employees to discharge their duties with compassion, honesty, trust and a commitment to public service. He stressed that people must remain at the centre of all government initiatives.

“Keep people first in your approach,” he said.
The Chief Minister also informed the gathering that concerns in Rerapara had been mapped under Priority 1 and Priority 2 categories to facilitate targeted interventions and address local needs.

Highlighting the importance of connectivity, he described the AMPT Road project linking Garobadha and Tura as a vital infrastructure initiative for Garo Hills. He also said the suspension bridge at Samandalgre formed part of a special state government initiative to construct more than 100 suspension bridges across Meghalaya to improve access to remote habitations.

The projects, he said, were part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen public infrastructure, improve administrative efficiency and enhance connectivity in rural areas.