Creation of three new districts in Meghalaya
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The State Government’s decision to carve out three new districts may have come as a surprise to many but what is more surprising is the fact that even Deputy Chief Minister and one of the most important member in the State Cabinet, Rowell Lyngdoh, was kept in the dark about the intention of the State Government.
Admitting that he was kept in the dark by Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma, Lyngdoh, however, said that he has no plan to resign from the Cabinet despite being ignored by the Chief Minister while taking such a major decision.
“I know I have been kept in the dark about this decision to create these three new districts. People might feel that I should step down. But I do not look at things differently,” a visibly disappointed Lyngdoh said, even though it was apparent that he was firm in his decision to hold on to his chair.
“My main focus main focus is to see that the aspiration of the people of West Khasi Hills district becomes a reality,” the Deputy Chief Minister added.
When asked whether the creation of the three districts could have been a unanimous decision of the Cabinet as the issue was also reflected in the Governor’s Address to the State Assembly on Friday, Lyngdoh said that he was not consulted on the issue.
“I am not privy to any discussion even if there was one,” he stated.
He however said that it would be difficult for the Government to immediately create these new districts since it involved huge funds and also because creation of any new district requires the concurrence of the
Finance Commission.
“Without the approval of the Finance Commission, it would not be impossible for the Government to create the new districts,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.
He also stated that the Government can definitely start the process of upgradation of the Civil Sub-Divisions into districts.