Shillong, May 19 (IANS) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday said the state’s youth are “second to none” and asserted that investments in young people should be seen not as expenditure but as the foundation for the state’s future growth and transformation.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the newly relocated 41 Meghalaya Battalion NCC complex at Cherangre in Tura, the Chief Minister said the National Cadet Corps plays a crucial role in shaping disciplined, confident and responsible citizens.

“I have always believed that the youth of Meghalaya are second to none — not just in the country, but in the world,” Sangma said, adding that young people in the state only need the right opportunities and exposure to excel in different fields.

Calling the inauguration a “momentous occasion”, the Chief Minister said the establishment of the battalion in Tura was “almost like a dream come true” and aligned with the government’s broader vision of youth empowerment.

“The success of a government should not be measured by how many crores are spent or how many buildings are constructed. It should be measured by how many lives are transformed because of those investments,” he said.

Highlighting Meghalaya’s demographic profile, CM Sangma said nearly 75 per cent of the state’s population is below the age of 35 and almost half is below 20 years, making youth development one of the government’s top priorities.

He said the recently announced Youth and Sports Policy aims to create a long-term roadmap to empower young people through education, sports, entrepreneurship, arts, culture and skill development.

“The inauguration of the 41 Meghalaya Battalion NCC complex is part of that larger vision. It brings us one step closer to achieving the future we envision for our youth,” he stated.

Recalling his childhood fascination with the armed forces and police services, CM Sangma said the discipline, dedication and sense of purpose associated with uniformed personnel had deeply inspired him.

“The NCC instils discipline, patriotism, hard work and values that shape young people into responsible citizens,” he added.

The Chief Minister also assured continued government support for strengthening NCC infrastructure and youth-oriented initiatives across the state.

Tracing the battalion’s history, officials said the 41 Meghalaya Battalion NCC originated from the 15 Assam Artillery Battery NCC raised in 1961 and was upgraded in October 2020. The battalion currently oversees NCC activities across five districts of Garo Hills and has expanded its reach to seven colleges and 18 schools with around 2,400 cadets enrolled as of May 2026.

–IANS

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