SHILLONG, Oct 28: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday inaugurated the newly constructed Mini Secretariat and Circuit House at Pynursla in East Khasi Hills district.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister hailed the completion of the two landmark projects, describing them as symbols of the government’s vision for efficient, decentralized governance and improved public service delivery.
“The Mini Secretariat and Circuit House at Pynursla symbolize our government’s commitment to balanced development and decentralization of administration,” Sangma said. “We want a one-stop system where citizens no longer have to run from one office to another for basic services. Our goal is simple — efficient governance and service delivery at the doorstep of the people.”
Citing author Shiv Khera’s philosophy of “doing things differently,” the Chief Minister highlighted how focused implementation had transformed key welfare schemes.
“When we started in 2018, MGNREGS utilization was less than ₹500 crore. Today, it has touched almost ₹2,000 crore — not because of new schemes, but because we implemented things differently. Similarly, under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, where we earlier received 4,000 to 5,000 houses a year, today we are touching 1.5 lakh houses annually,” he said.
Explaining the concept behind the Mini Secretariat, Sangma said it was envisioned as a “one-stop administrative hub” where all departments at the sub-divisional level would function under one roof to deliver services faster and more efficiently.
“My vision is that in the near future, a person can submit their documents at the nearest office and collect them after a week or ten days, without having to travel long distances to the DC office,” he added.
The Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to the Raid Shabong for generously donating the land for the project.
“This is not just a piece of land — it is a message that communities and the government can work together for the greater good. What you have done today will be remembered in history as a gift to your people and generations to come,” Sangma said.
He also praised Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong for his dedication and leadership in ensuring the project’s success, adding that the design and quality of construction could serve as a model for future Mini Secretariats across the state.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong expressed his appreciation to the Chief Minister for prioritizing Pynursla in the state’s development agenda.
“This will go deep down into the history of Pynursla Civil Sub-Division,” Tynsong remarked.
The inaugural function was attended by Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, Minister of Arts and Culture Sanbor Shullai, Sohra MLA Gavin M. Mylliem, Commissioner and Secretary CVD Diengdoh, Advisor to the Government HM Shangpliang, traditional heads, and other dignitaries.
