Shillong Mar 24: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Saturday thanked former Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma and his former Cabinet colleagues for their services to the people of the state and said that the former Chief Minister had worked with all loyalty for the people.

Conrad praised his predecessor at a public reception where he was felicitated at Resubelpara in North Garo Hills and at Tura in West Garo Hills.

At Tura, the Chief Minister was felicitated during a programme on Natural Resource Management and Climate Change — Opportunities and Challenges for Entrepreneurs in Garo Hills.

It was the Chief Minister’s maiden visit to Garo Hills after he assumed office on March 6.

Deputy Speaker and Resubelpara MLA, Timothy D. Shira, Bajengdoba MLA Pongseng Marak and Kharkuta MLA Rupert Momin were also present at the felicitation programme at Resubelpara, who were also given a warm reception by the people.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister thanked the people of North and West Garo Hills in particular and the State as a whole for the warm reception and hospitality extended to him.

He also thanked his father Late Purno Agitok Sangma for guiding him in politics.

“My father has taught me that in politics, you have to take care of all people in office from peon to the chief secretary, driver and police. I will never forget him and will remember his ideology and philosophy. I will dedicate myself to the people of Meghalaya,” the Chief Minister said.

He also thanked the former Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma and his former cabinet colleagues for their services to the people of the state.

“He (Dr Mukul Sangma) worked with all loyalty for the people and initiated development. I acknowledge his works for the welfare of our people,” Conrad said as he praised his predecessor.

Stating that Meghalaya has to catch up with others and accelerate development, the Chief Minister said, “We have lot of challenges in different spheres as we are dependent on the Central government. The revenue collection system is not streamlined, and it is difficult for us to initiate development on our own. We are committed to streamline the system and carry forward the developmental agenda of the government.”

He assured that the state government would ensure balance development in all parts of the State and the thrust will be on education, health, road and infrastructure development in the state.