By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Kalaichar border haat (traditional market) on the Indo-Bangladesh border of Meghalaya has generated more than Rs 33 lakh in terms of revenue, Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma informed the Assembly on Wednesday.
The Chief Minister, who holds charge of Commerce and Industries, in a reply during Question Hour said, “The border haats have improved the economic condition of the people.”
“The trade (in terms of rupees) that has taken place in the Kalaichar since the opening of the international market is Rs 33,80,204,” Dr Sangma said.
Indian traders sells gingers, bay leaves, oranges, banana, pineapple, lemon, potatoes, tamarind, black pepper and aricanut, Dr Sangma said adding that molasses, brinjal, garlic, sugarcane, pillows etc were sold by traders from Bangladesh.
According to him, Indian produces are in “high demand” at the border haat.
Earlier, the leader of Opposition Conrad K Sangma stated that he was not too sure that the supervision of the SDO (Civil) would be enough to check if there is any illegal transaction in the Kalaichar border haat.
In reply, Dr Sangma said the SDO (Civil) was not the only one who is supervising trading activities in the border haat.
“In fact, there is a committee comprising the SDO (Civil) Amapti, officials of the customs department and the Border Security to oversee activities at the border haat in Kalaichar,” he said.