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Meghalaya CM Defends Job Creation Record, Cites 3.66 Lakh New Positions

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has strongly defended his government's employment record against opposition criticism in the Assembly. He cited official data and claimed nearly 3.66 lakh jobs have been created through various state initiatives in recent years. Sangma detailed flagship programmes like FOCUS and the highly popular CM-Elevate scheme to support his argument. He also addressed language requirements for jobs and announced the introduction of Khasi and Garo teaching at the primary level.

Key Points: Meghalaya CM Sangma Counters Opposition on Employment Policies

  • CM rejects claims of failed employment strategy
  • Cites 3.66 lakh jobs generated via govt schemes
  • Highlights FOCUS, FOCUS+, and CM-Elevate programmes
  • Announces Khasi & Garo teaching in primary schools
2 min read

Meghalaya govt's employment policies delivering results: CM Sangma

CM Conrad Sangma refutes claims of failed job policies, citing data showing 3.66 lakh jobs created and detailing flagship schemes like FOCUS and CM-Elevate.

"Employment generation is a continuous process. While we may not have fully achieved our objectives yet, we are moving in the right direction. - Conrad K. Sangma"

Shillong, Feb 26

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday rejected opposition claims that the state's employment policies have failed, asserting that several government initiatives are generating jobs and creating livelihood opportunities for the youth.

Replying to issues raised by Trinamool Congress MLA Mizanur Kazi during a discussion in the Assembly, the Chief Minister said it would be misleading to term the government's employment strategy unsuccessful, noting that unemployment figures differ across surveys and must be viewed in context.

Citing official data, Sangma said the Periodic Labour Force Survey recorded Meghalaya's unemployment rate at 6.0 per cent in 2022-23 and 6.2 per cent in 2023-24, while estimates by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) placed it significantly lower at 3.1 per cent.

He added that nearly 3.66 lakh jobs have been generated in recent years through various schemes and interventions.

The Chief Minister underlined that Meghalaya's young demographic profile poses unique challenges, with nearly 50 per cent of the population below the age of 20.

"Employment generation is a continuous process. While we may not have fully achieved our objectives yet, we are moving in the right direction," he told the House.

Highlighting flagship programmes, Sangma said the FOCUS scheme has sanctioned Rs 140 crore to 22,500 producer groups, benefitting around 2.1 lakh people, while the FOCUS+ initiative has reached an additional 1.5 lakh beneficiaries.

He also pointed to the strong response to the CM-Elevate programme, which received over 22,000 applications within 20 days, prompting the government to temporarily close the portal.

During the debate, the Chief Minister addressed concerns over mandatory Khasi and Garo language proficiency for certain public sector posts.

He clarified that the requirement was limited to basic communication skills and not academic mastery, stressing that language familiarity is essential for effective service delivery.

Sangma further announced that the government has decided to introduce Khasi and Garo teaching at the primary school level, with textbooks already being prepared.

On administrative reforms, he said employment exchanges are being digitised, and the CM-Connect platform is strengthening grievance redressal and monitoring of government schemes.

"I assure the House that these programmes will show even greater impact in the coming days," the Chief Minister said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
The language policy makes sense. If you're serving the local community in Meghalaya, knowing Khasi or Garo at a basic level is essential for communication. It's about effective governance, not exclusion. Teaching it in primary schools is a smart long-term move. 👍
A
Aman W
Respectfully, the CM should address why there's such a big gap between PLFS (6.2%) and CMIE (3.1%) data. Which one reflects ground reality? "Nearly 3.66 lakh jobs" is a vague claim. We need a district-wise, sector-wise breakdown to truly assess performance.
S
Sarah B
The CM-Elevate programme getting 22,000 applications in 20 days shows the huge demand and hope among the youth. The government must ensure the selection process is transparent and merit-based. Digitizing employment exchanges is a welcome step for the 21st century.
K
Karthik V
Generating jobs in a small, predominantly tribal state with geographic challenges is no easy task. The focus on producer groups through FOCUS seems tailored to the local agrarian and artisan economy. Hope they also push for IT and service sector jobs in Shillong.
M
Meera T
As someone from the Northeast, I appreciate the nuanced approach. It's not just about numbers, but creating sustainable livelihoods suited to the region. The language and cultural context is everything here. Hope other states learn from this balanced development model.

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