Shillong, July 28: Khlieh Asem village, under Mawkynrew Block and Hima Khyrim Syiemship in East Khasi Hills district, has emerged as one of Meghalaya’s finest examples of sustainable rural development while preserving its rich Khasi cultural heritage.
The village, renowned as the birthplace of the traditional Khasi folk music Sur Nongkyndong, was adopted as a Model Village by former Rajya Sabha MP Dr. W.R. Kharlukhi under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) in 2020. Since then, it has witnessed significant improvements in infrastructure and public amenities through coordinated efforts between the Block Development Office, various government departments, and the local community.
Speaking to reporters, Rangbah Shnong Bah Shyrmen Nongrum described the adoption of Khlieh Asem under the SAGY as a historic milestone that transformed the village’s development trajectory.
Among the major projects completed is a village community hall constructed with financial assistance of ₹20 lakh from the former MP’s fund. The village has also benefited from upgraded internal roads, the installation of 17 solar street lights, and housing assistance for economically weaker families through the Block Development Office.
Additional infrastructure created under the initiative includes an Agriculture Building, an Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Centre, and an Adolescent Library, providing improved services for farmers, children, and youth.
Bah Nongrum said the village received development assistance amounting to nearly ₹1.20 crore through the former MP, which has played a vital role in enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.
Khlieh Asem is home to around 130 households with an estimated population of nearly 1,000 people. Agriculture remains the primary occupation, with villagers cultivating strawberries and broom grass (synsar) as key cash crops. Many residents also rely on employment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to supplement their income.
Despite rapid development, the village has remained committed to preserving its traditional Khasi identity. Residents continue to uphold Sur Nongkyndong, a unique Khasi folk music tradition that has been passed down through generations. Community leaders believe that maintaining a balance between development and cultural preservation has been central to the village’s success.
Expressing gratitude to Dr. W.R. Kharlukhi for selecting Khlieh Asem under the Model Village scheme, Bah Nongrum said the transformation demonstrates how effective collaboration between the Dorbar Shnong, government agencies, and the local community can bring sustainable and inclusive rural development.
However, he noted that several challenges remain. The village continues to require improved drinking water supply, better educational infrastructure, and enhanced healthcare facilities. He also appealed to the government to extend further support in promoting rural tourism, generating employment opportunities, empowering local youth, and preserving Khasi culture and indigenous traditions.
With its successful blend of infrastructure development, community participation, and cultural conservation, Khlieh Asem has emerged as a model for sustainable rural transformation in Meghalaya and an inspiration for villages across the state.
