Conrad Sangma clarifies ex-gratia payments for Lapalang victims

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has clarified that ex-gratia payments were provided to the families of victims who died from suffocation in a well in Lapalang. Responding to allegations in the state assembly that the government had denied assistance, Sangma explained that the funds were released through the Chief Minister’s Special Grant (CMSG) rather than the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF).

Sangma noted that the SDMF is strictly reserved for natural disasters and cannot be applied to accidents. He stated that the government chose to provide the support quietly to avoid publicity or social media attention, emphasizing a policy of acting without seeking media coverage.