In a robust defense during Meghalaya’s assembly budget discussions, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma rejected accusations of lacking transparency in the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund (CMSDS). He portrayed the initiative as a cornerstone of people-centric governance, now permeating remote hamlets and urban centers alike.
Responding to MLAs’ cut motions, Sangma admitted to listening to their worries but stressed the fund’s operation on principles of openness and fairness. No political lens colors decisions; approvals hinge solely on ground-level needs identified through public interactions like CM Connect.
‘We don’t inquire about party backgrounds from beneficiaries,’ the CM told the house. He invited skeptics to verify with recipients, pointing to tangible outcomes across districts as proof of honest execution.
On eligibility, Sangma clarified that every legislator qualifies to nominate projects up to Rs 10 lakh annually, without mandate. He specifically assured Mawlai’s Bright Star Wel Marbaniang of probes into his concerns.
Reforms were spotlighted: earlier mechanisms bred delays via bifurcated allocations. Now optimized, funds flow swiftly. For 2025-26, the entire Rs 50 crore kitty is spent—West Garo Hills tops with Rs 13.6 crore, followed by East Khasi Hills at Rs 12.88 crore, Southwest Garo Hills Rs 5.1 crore, and more across Ri Bhoi, East Garo Hills, North Garo Hills, East Jaintia Hills, West Khasi Hills, and East West Khasi Hills.
Accessible to a broad spectrum—including panchayats, NGOs, and citizens via the CM Secretariat—the fund exemplifies inclusive development, countering doubts with data and delivery.