From Our Correspondent
TURA: Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh has said that the government will take as much time required to get all the stakeholders involved in the Meghalaya Community Participation Bill (MCPB), but at the same time put in a word of caution that urban infrastructure maintenance could collapse unless steps are taken to clear the Bill’s log jam.
Speaking to media persons at Tura Circuit House shortly after holding discussion with several civil society groups of Garo Hills, Ms Lyngdoh along with other members of the select committee said that this is only the beginning of a round of discussions.
“This is the first consultation programme and we will have many more,” Ampareen said. Based on the deliberations with the NGOs and other stakeholders the committee will present certain recommendations to the government.
“We will collectively come together for a solution,” the Urban Affairs Minister added.
She expressed serious concern over the opposition to the Bill warning that today there is a complete failure of urban management.
The minister rang the alarm bell saying urban management is in shambles with no one to look into garbage disposal, maintenance of drains and other infrastructure.
Mentioning about her recent visit to New Delhi where she held an important meeting with the Union Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath, Ms Lyngdoh said there has been some encouraging decisions taken.
The Centre has allowed the State Government to define the word “election” in the matter of the Community Participation Bill. The State has also amended the principal Act that stated that nominations can only be for a year.
“We want a fully functional board with active participation of the community and every stakeholder and we are ready to wait,” Ampareen said.
She highlighted the advantages of the Bill while at the same time cautioned that the Centre will stop all funding for urban development and maintenance unless the municipalities are made fully functional.
She did mention that the meeting with the nokmas of Garo Hills ended on a positive note as far as nomination of members was concerned with the Nokma Council seeking representation of atleast four to six members in the boards.