Ampati, Aug. 7: Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma today said the government has been able to reach out to the people with various welfare programmes and accelerate development in the state.

"In bigger districts, it becomes difficult to reach out to different strata of society with welfare programmes. The approach toward governance had to be changed, so that we could overcome the challenges and fulfil the aspirations of the people by reaching out to them," the chief minister said while addressing a gathering at the 5th anniversary of the South West Garo Hills district in Ampati.

He said the four new districts in 2012 were accorded special attention to accelerate growth and remove the development and economic disparity. "By bringing the administration closer to the people we have been able to focus on our programmes in a better way," the chief minister said.

"Even after 45 years of statehood, we still have many villages in the state, where people have to walk for 4-5 hours to reach the nearest market and unit of governance. A lot of challenges lie ahead for the government."He said India is a "welfare nation" and it is the responsibility of the government to help the weaker sections and minorities of the country.

"We need to design programmes to touch the lives of the marginalised section of society. There should be no room for disrespect and communal anger. We have to unite every section of society and take everyone on board to march for development," he said.

On insurgency in Garo hills, the chief minister said they had posed serious challenges for peace but the government has been able to work to restore peace in the region.

"If we had not created a new district, it would have been difficult for the government to tackle insurgency in Garo hills," he said, adding that the creation of new districts has enabled the police to carry out counter-insurgency operations in an effective manner.

"There are many misguided youth, who still want to join the militant outfits. So we are working to create an enabling environment for our youth, so that they are not lured to insurgency."

The chief minister said the government has embarked on an initiative for transparent recruitment. "Opportunities will be created particularly for the youth and they should not lose hope and keep trying for different job spaces which will be made available," he said.

_He explained the meaning of spirit of democracy by elaborating explaining to the gathering as to why militants and alleged criminals are allowed to contest election. The chief minister said, "We have one of the most vibrant judiciary system in the country, where even a terrorist and militant caught red handed is given an opportunity to defend himself quoting Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab".

He said that unless and until a person is convicted by court of law they could even contest election and stated that is the "spirit of democracy".

said the government would continue to create avenues for the youth and vulnerable section to enable equitable growth and development of the society to make the state vibrant and set an example for others to emulate.

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