Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday inaugurated the “CM-CONNECT” programme that would enable citizens to connect with the government.
Through this platform, the citizens will have access to a dedicated Helpline No. 1971 to express their concerns and grievances, which will be addressed.
This programme will be a platform that will enable the government to have better understanding on the delivery of the schemes, effectiveness of different services and programmes being implemented in the State.
“The platform will enable the people to reach out to the government with queries, and government will listen, respond by providing right solutions and addressing the concerns,” the Chief Minister said at the launch of the programme at the Convention Centre of North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong campus.
CM-CONNECT is a one of its kind initiative not just in North East but across the country. “The entire system has been built and integrated using robust IT technology, wherein every department has been connected through a single window platform,” he said.
As part of the programme, officials from different department has been listed to address to different concerns and grievances in a time bound manner. The citizens can also reach out to the government through social media channels, including WhatsApp. The helpline 1971 will be operational from 8 AM to 8 PM, in five languages including Khasi, Garo and Jaintia.
The Chief Minister also launched various programme like MegARISE, Meghalaya State Organic Mission 2.0, and disbursed funds under Green Meghalaya and FOCUS. He also launched grassroot projects focused on farmers’ welfare, agriculture and environment worth ₹400 Crores.
MegARISE or protection of vulnerable catchment areas in Meghalaya Project is a step forward to enact the State Water Policy. The project will be implemented with a financial outlay of ₹344 Cr and will entail capacity building of community members, enhancement of forests and other ecosystems in catchment areas, livelihood improvement or vulnerable communities in catchment areas.
The Meghalaya State Organic Mission 2.0 envisions to convert and sustain 100,000 hectares of land to National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)-certified organic cultivation by 2029 and double farmers’ income through increased productivity, premium prices and value addition.
During the programme, the Chief Minister also virtually inaugurated 12 processing units and 3 cold storages across the state under Meghalaya NEXT. These units owned and managed by various farmer collectives have been set up as a means to help farmers gain maximum benefit from their produce by limiting wastage.