SHILLONG, July 2: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday said the true measure of governance lies in improving the lives of people, asserting that development is meaningful only when it delivers tangible benefits to citizens.
Speaking at a felicitation programme organised by the Joint Action Committee to acknowledge the Government’s One-Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme for commercial vehicles, Sangma said people-centric governance remains the cornerstone of his government’s development agenda.
During the programme, the organisers felicitated the Chief Minister along with Deputy Chief Ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar in recognition of their role in implementing the scheme.
Addressing the gathering, Sangma observed that while politicians are often criticised when public expectations are not met, decisions that positively transform lives seldom receive similar recognition.
“When there is a problem, politicians are seen as the biggest villains. But when solutions are delivered, very rarely are those efforts acknowledged. That is why this felicitation means a lot to us,” he said.
The Chief Minister stressed that development extends beyond constructing roads, buildings and stadiums, and must be reflected in the everyday lives of citizens.
“For us, development is not just about big roads, buildings or stadiums. Every decision must translate into real impact in the lives of our people. That is the true measure of governance,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of the OTS scheme, Sangma said the government took a bold decision to waive nearly Rs. 850 crore to Rs.1,000 crore in outstanding dues, placing the welfare of thousands of transporters and their families above revenue considerations.
“This was not an easy decision. That revenue could have been used elsewhere. But we realised that nearly 16,000 truckers and their families—almost two lakh people—were directly affected. We made this decision keeping them in mind,” he said.
Responding to criticism that the government focuses primarily on large infrastructure projects, Sangma said such assessments overlook several people-oriented initiatives undertaken by the administration.
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“Yes, we are investing in big infrastructure. But we are equally committed to people-centric decisions, whether it is resolving long-pending issues of teachers, supporting farmers or empowering entrepreneurs,” he said.
He maintained that transformative governance requires a balanced approach, combining major infrastructure development with grassroots interventions that directly improve people’s lives.
“Big projects send a message that Meghalaya is ready and capable. But the real success lies in how these initiatives improve everyday life,” he added.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong for taking up the concerns of the transport community and advancing the proposal that led to the implementation of the OTS scheme.
Calling for collective responsibility, Sangma urged stakeholders to maintain financial discipline and prevent future backlogs while assuring that the government would continue strengthening governance systems and service delivery.
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“We are not perfect, but we are committed to learning, improving and keeping people at the centre of every decision. With the support of our citizens, we will continue moving Meghalaya forward,” he said.
