Meghalaya State Central Library complex to be revamped

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 6: Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma has laid the Foundation Stone for the Revamp, redesign and Refurbishing of the State Central Library complex, Shillong, in a function held at U Soso Tham Auditorium in the presence of Minister, Arts & Culture, etc Paul Lyngdoh.

Speaking during the occasion, Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, said that the government had plans to build a full new structure of the Soso Tham auditorium a few years back but could not do so because of COVID. “Nevertheless, we have managed to give a new look to the auditorium and the complex that so for so long not given any renovation nor improvement,” he said.

He added that the new infrastructure will create space for modern facilities and transform the library with state-of-the-art facilities. He also said that the government will give a facelift to the entire State Library Complex and will create cineplex and other space for performing arts and drama.

He also assured of funds for other projects within the State Library complex. “This must be a centre where talented youth can converge, share ideas and showcase their talents to the world and make this place a happening, lively and vibrant place where different forms of art and cultural programs and activities can be showcased and exchanged,” he stated.

The Chief Minister also said that under CM Elevate, the government will be promoting 30 movie theatres throughout the State to promote art and culture, movies and languages of the state besides giving the film makers of the State a platform to showcase their works.

Stating that March 6, 2024, marks the first anniversary of MDA 2.0 government and six anniversary of MDA government, the Chief Minister said that the government has laid foundation for growth and development and interventions are being made to take Meghalaya forward and hoped that with collective trust of the people, the government will able to fulfil the aspirations of the people of the State.

Art and Culture Minister Paul Lyngdoh thanked the Chief Minister for giving a vision and mission to push growth and development in the State. Thanking the National Library Board for sanctioning Rs 2.33 crores for the refurbishing and upgrading the facilities in the State Library Complex. He also stressed on the need to give a boost to the local film industry. “In my interactions with the local film makers I was surprised to learn that about seven films that has already been completed could not be released because of lack of proper cineplex,” he said.

The Minister also said that Shillong had a rich legacy of theatre and plays and mooted the need of reviving it.

He said that apart from sight-seeing, trekking and activities for tourists during the day time there should be space for entertainment, drama and cinema also which can be held during the evenings and hoped that the State Central Library can have these activities also in future.

Befitting to the occasion, cultural items were showcased that portrayed the musical talents of the State.  

I don’t like to use and throw coalition partners: Conrad

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 6: National People’s Party (NPP) national chief and designated Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today said he does not like to use and throw coalition partners.

He was responding to a query on his decision to go for a ‘big ship’ by requesting the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the People’s Democratic Front (PDF) to support the NPP-led government.

“It is a matter of principle. I have been very clear that I don’t like to simply use and throw just because we have the number and we don’t require somebody today. I think it is unhealthy for the overall larger development and the trust factor goes down. That is why we had 32 numbers but I approached the UDP and PDF personally, it is not that they called me or anything,” Sangma said.

He added, “I know that the numbers are there but as a matter of principle, I would like to take everybody along as we went through thick and thin together. We had lots of challenges but yet we stuck together and I don’t forget these kinds of things. Therefore I want to show that we worked as a team in the past, and we will do it in the future also.”

The NPP-led government has the support of 45 MLAs of which 26 NPP, 11 UDP, 2 BJP, 2 HSPDP, 2 PDF and 2 Independents.

Referring to the MDA-2 as a big ship, Sangma said, “I am happy our old team is back again. It is the first positive message that we have given to everybody that we are not the kind of party or a coalition or I am not the kind of person who simply uses the people at the time they are required and not remember them at other times. I may not be able to do everything for everybody but I will ensure that we can work together as we have done many things in the past despite the challenges and I would like to work together again.”

He said there were lots of differences during the election time but it is not something that cannot be overcome.

“Therefore, let us start in a positive way. Let us overcome all of this, there is a lot of work to be done. The election is over, the mandate has been given. Let us rise above all these concerns and issues,” he added.

The Chief Minister-designate also appealed to all political parties to work together.

“I appeal to all political parties at this point in time that the election is over now and now we need to move forward with the real work that we have ahead of us,” he said.

On-demand for a Chief Minister from the Khasi Hills region, Sangma however said that the democratic process in which the leaders are elected had been done and that it is not about being from this community or that community.

“Government formation is a democratic process and hence we have followed that democratic process all the way. Of course, there are sentiments. We don’t say that it is not there,” he said.