Meghalaya CM Announces Committee to Examine Winter Capital Demand for Tura

Chief Minister Sangma emphasised the emotional significance of the issue, particularly for the Garo community.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has announced that his government will form a committee to examine the long-standing demand for establishing Tura as a Winter Capital. The announcement was made during an Assembly discussion on March 6, following a resolution moved by Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma.

The committee will include representatives from all political parties, stakeholders, civil society members, and community leaders. It will conduct extensive consultations to assess the feasibility and implications of the proposal, which envisions temporarily shifting the executive wing of the government, including ministers and the chief secretary, to Tura for part of the year. Additionally, some assembly sessions could be held in the region.

Chief Minister Sangma emphasised the emotional significance of the issue, particularly for the Garo community. He acknowledged the complexity of the decision, stating, “This may be one of the most difficult and complex responses I have to give. It is extremely challenging to stand here now as the Chief Minister, as a party leader, as an MLA, as a citizen of Meghalaya, and as a Garo individual.”

Despite security concerns, Sangma revealed that he had personally engaged with organisations advocating for a Winter Capital. “Last year, there was another strike, and I appealed to the members of these organisations to initiate dialogue and discussion,” he said. “Despite security concerns and my police officials advising against it, I decided to take the initiative… because I was deeply concerned about the issue.”

The Chief Minister highlighted several ongoing initiatives aimed at decentralising governance, including the “Cabinet on the Move” programme. Under this initiative, Cabinet meetings were held in Sohra, Jowai, and Tura to instil a sense of belonging among the people of the state.

Addressing concerns about financial implications, Sangma acknowledged the costs involved but stressed that the broader goal of inclusivity and integration was paramount. “We cannot look at this only from the cost perspective. The message of reaching out to the people, involving everyone, and promoting inclusiveness is what matters the most,” he stated. “The joy and pride that people feel when they see the Cabinet in their town for the first time are invaluable.”

Sangma pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects as concrete steps towards bringing governance closer to the people. He highlighted the Rs 170 crore Integrated Administrative Complex under construction in Tura. “Initially, we considered a small office, but we have now expanded the plan. The complex will include rooms for the Chief Minister, all Cabinet Ministers, the Chief Secretary, and other officials,” he said.

The Chief Minister also spoke about regional integration efforts, citing the Meghalaya Games as an example. He noted that “70-75% of athletes had never been to Jowai before,” which underscored the need for greater integration among different regions of the state.

On the possibility of holding Assembly sessions in Tura, Sangma stated that discussions were already underway with the Deputy Chief Minister, the Speaker, and other leaders. However, he noted that a final decision had yet to be reached, as careful consultation and administrative planning were required. “There is no harm in considering it,” he remarked.

Although the resolution was withdrawn after the government’s assurance, Sangma expressed openness to forming an all-party committee and engaging with stakeholders and NGOs from across the state. “We all need to put our heads together. This issue requires in-depth discussions, and we will ensure that all voices are heard,” he said.

He also pointed out that in Meghalaya’s 53-year history, no resolution brought by the opposition had ever been passed and accepted by the House. He attributed this to technical considerations, which often prevent the ruling party from supporting opposition resolutions regardless of their importance.

With the formation of the committee, the Meghalaya government has taken a significant step toward addressing the demand for a Winter Capital in Tura. The coming months will determine whether this long-standing aspiration of the Garo community moves closer to reality.

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