Radhakrishnan stresses inclusive growth, religious harmony and protection of State’s natural and cultural heritage
Shillong, September 7: Vice-President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan on Monday arrived in Shillong for a two-day visit to Meghalaya and unveiled five major infrastructure projects worth ₹1,010.95 crore, covering drinking water, roads, healthcare and power.
Addressing a public reception at the Soso Tham Auditorium, Radhakrishnan said the projects reflected the strong partnership between the Centre and the Meghalaya Government in advancing balanced, inclusive and sustainable development.
“This is my first official visit to Meghalaya after assuming office as Vice-President of India. It gives me immense pleasure to be among the warm and hospitable people of the State,” he said.
He thanked the people and the State Government, led by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, for the reception accorded to him.
The Vice-President recalled his longstanding association with leaders from Meghalaya and paid tribute to former Lok Sabha Speaker P.A. Sangma, describing him as a distinguished statesman who left a lasting imprint on Indian politics.
He said Sangma’s service as Union Minister and Speaker of the Lok Sabha remained an important part of the country’s political history.
Radhakrishnan also expressed happiness that the programme was being held at an auditorium named after U Soso Tham, the celebrated Khasi poet whose literary contributions continue to inspire generations.
Describing Meghalaya as a land of extraordinary natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions, he praised its traditional institutions and matrilineal social system. He also lauded the contribution of women’s groups towards social and economic empowerment.
Calls for Religious Harmony
Speaking on India’s secular character, the Vice-President said secularism meant respecting the religious beliefs and traditions of others.
“Everyone has the right to worship God in the manner they choose. We must respect one another’s beliefs and live together in harmony. That is the true meaning of secularism,” he said.
He began his address by invoking the blessings of Jesus Christ upon the gathering and the people of Meghalaya.
Inclusive Growth Essential for Viksit Bharat
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047, Radhakrishnan said the goal could be achieved only when every State, village, city and citizen participated in the country’s development.
“No section of society can be left behind. Development can be considered meaningful only when it is inclusive and reaches the most vulnerable,” he said.
The Vice-President said the Centre’s development policy for the Northeast placed special emphasis on physical and digital connectivity, economic growth and closer people-to-people contact.
He noted that major investments had been made in roads and other infrastructure across the region to connect remote villages with towns, cities and markets.
Radhakrishnan praised the transformation witnessed in Meghalaya during the past eight years, particularly in infrastructure, tourism, livelihood generation and community-based development.
He congratulated Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, his Council of Ministers and the people of Meghalaya for initiatives such as CM-ELEVATE, Green Meghalaya and community-led tourism programmes.
Five Major Infrastructure Projects
The largest of the projects is Phase II of the New Shillong Water Supply Scheme, estimated at ₹850.58 crore. It aims to provide safe drinking water to New Shillong City and 32 adjoining villages, covering approximately 4.34 lakh people and 86,900 households.
The scheme will also introduce Meghalaya’s first city-scale smart-metering and volumetric water-billing system.
The Vice-President also launched a ₹21.86-crore project for constructing a 110-metre bridge over the Umngot River. The bridge is expected to improve connectivity for 14 villages in Mawkynrew Block, benefit nearly 28,500 residents and strengthen road links between East Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills.
Another project involves construction of a 13.5-km all-weather road connecting Umsen and Barapathar through Pilangku-A, Jyrmang, Chibra and Mawiong. It will benefit around 5,700 residents across 21 villages while improving connectivity between Meghalaya and Assam.
In the healthcare sector, a 30-bedded AYUSH facility will be established at Shillong Civil Hospital at an estimated cost of ₹10 crore. It will provide Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Yoga, Naturopathy, Panchakarma, physiotherapy, rehabilitation and inpatient services.
The fifth project is a ₹72.5-crore power infrastructure package comprising a 2×50 MVA, 132/33 kV substation at Mawkhanu, a 132 kV double-circuit transmission line from Saisiej and associated infrastructure.
The project is expected to strengthen the reliability and quality of electricity supply to New Shillong and adjoining areas.
‘Investments in Meghalaya’s Future’
Radhakrishnan said the projects represented more than financial investment, describing them as investments in Meghalaya’s future and the well-being of its people.
“Reliable water supply brings dignity and better health. Improved roads connect people with opportunities, healthcare facilities provide security to families, and stronger power infrastructure supports economic and industrial growth,” he said.
He added that the progress of the Northeast was inseparable from the progress of India and stressed that cooperation between the Centre and the States was essential for achieving balanced growth.
The Vice-President, however, cautioned that development must proceed alongside the preservation of Meghalaya’s environment, culture and traditional institutions.
Referring to the State’s living root bridges, waterfalls and renowned landscapes, he said Meghalaya’s indigenous communities had demonstrated an exceptional ability to live in harmony with nature.
“This extraordinary way of life must be understood, respected and appreciated by every citizen of the country,” he said.
