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Information & Public Relations Department
Title: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurates ECD Implementation Science Workshop; calls for integrated systems to strengthen early childhood development
Press Release Number:
01/06/2026
Description:
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K. Sangma said that one of the guiding principles of his administration since assuming office in 2018 has been the belief that meaningful change does not always require new schemes or policies, but rather better implementation of existing ones. Recalling a question posed by the media when he first became Chief Minister, he said he had drawn inspiration from author Shiv Khera and responded that he "would not do anything different, but would do things differently."
The Chief Minister noted that both Central and State Government schemes are largely designed to address existing developmental challenges and that the real challenge often lies in implementation. He pointed out that improvements in implementation have led to significant gains across sectors in Meghalaya.
Referring to MGNREGA, he said that stronger execution had resulted in a nearly threefold increase in utilisation and absorption capacity. Similar improvements, he added, have been achieved across departments, leading to a four- to five-fold increase in the utilisation of centrally sponsored schemes and externally aided projects. He noted that Meghalaya is currently implementing nearly ₹12,000 crore worth of externally aided projects, exceeding the portfolio of many other small states.
Emphasizing the importance of political and administrative leadership, the Chief Minister said that while governments often understand the science, evidence, and data behind development challenges, progress ultimately depends on the collective will to act. “The point I am trying to make is that we often know the problems. We understand the science, the data and the analysis behind them. But ultimately, there has to be a will to make a difference,” he said. He added that the role of leadership is to identify capable individuals, place them in positions where they can contribute effectively, and provide them with the confidence and support needed to perform.
The Chief Minister stressed that governments do not always need entirely new ideas but rather a stronger capacity to implement existing ideas effectively. He underscored the importance of having a shared vision and clarity of purpose, while also recognising that no single model can be applied uniformly across different contexts.
Drawing on Meghalaya's experience in addressing maternal mortality, Sangma said that the State initially assumed that increasing institutional deliveries would solve the problem. However, a deeper analysis revealed that the real barriers were economic and logistical in nature, including transportation costs, distance, and the lack of support systems for expectant mothers. “We were encouraging institutional deliveries without recognising the economic realities these mothers faced,” he said
The Chief Minister noted that both Central and State Government schemes are largely designed to address existing developmental challenges and that the real challenge often lies in implementation. He pointed out that improvements in implementation have led to significant gains across sectors in Meghalaya.
Referring to MGNREGA, he said that stronger execution had resulted in a nearly threefold increase in utilisation and absorption capacity. Similar improvements, he added, have been achieved across departments, leading to a four- to five-fold increase in the utilisation of centrally sponsored schemes and externally aided projects. He noted that Meghalaya is currently implementing nearly ₹12,000 crore worth of externally aided projects, exceeding the portfolio of many other small states.
Emphasizing the importance of political and administrative leadership, the Chief Minister said that while governments often understand the science, evidence, and data behind development challenges, progress ultimately depends on the collective will to act. “The point I am trying to make is that we often know the problems. We understand the science, the data and the analysis behind them. But ultimately, there has to be a will to make a difference,” he said. He added that the role of leadership is to identify capable individuals, place them in positions where they can contribute effectively, and provide them with the confidence and support needed to perform.
The Chief Minister stressed that governments do not always need entirely new ideas but rather a stronger capacity to implement existing ideas effectively. He underscored the importance of having a shared vision and clarity of purpose, while also recognising that no single model can be applied uniformly across different contexts.
Drawing on Meghalaya's experience in addressing maternal mortality, Sangma said that the State initially assumed that increasing institutional deliveries would solve the problem. However, a deeper analysis revealed that the real barriers were economic and logistical in nature, including transportation costs, distance, and the lack of support systems for expectant mothers. “We were encouraging institutional deliveries without recognising the economic realities these mothers faced,” he said
Released Date:
01 Jun 2026
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