Meghalaya celebrates its 42nd statehood day

Meghalaya today celebrated its 42nd statehood day in a befitting manner with a pledge to alleviate rural poverty and generate income opportunities for thousands of educated unemployed youths.
The state was carved out of undivided Assam on January 21, 1972 after the North Eastern Re-organisation Act, 1971, was passed in the Parliament.
Deputy Chief Minister R C Laloo, who delivered his address at the state level program at the U Soso Tham Auditorium, remembered the visionary leaders and their determination to bestow upon the indigenous people a state of their own.
Laloo also highlighted on the developmental activities happening in the state in its 42 years journey in the field of agriculture, power, education, health, tourism, transport and communication.

He said the government has been working tirelessly to ensure the benefits of flagship programmes like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, National, Rural Health Mission, PMGSY, JNNURM, Total Sanitation Campaign and NREGA to reach the remotest corner and the poorest beneficiary of the state.
Exhorting the commitment of the Meghalaya United Alliance (MUA-II) government, he said rural poverty alleviation, employment generation and livelihood promotion would bring about inclusive growth in the state.

The Deputy Chief Minister informed that the flagship programme of the Government, the Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Promotion Programme has proven to be an innovative initiative to bring about inclusive growth to every section of society.

Governor K K Paul while wishing the people on the statehood-day said, "We should all resolve to put in our best efforts to see that the state emerges as a premiere state."
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma sought reaffirmation from the people to make the state 'an exemplary state worthy of emulating.'
Fifteen government officials and employees were also awarded the state award in recognition of their excellence in their job.
Jaiaw Shyiap & Lum Pyllon and Cleave Colony were awarded for their overall cleanliness with Rs 1 lakh and Rs 50,000/- respectively.
Earlier in the day, Meghalaya Day Run 2014, organized by the Director of Sports and Youth Affairs in collaboration with the District Sports officer, East Khasi Hills, was flagged off by the Principal Secretary, Sports and Youth Affairs, P Kharkongor from Madan Iewrynghep in the city.