East Jaintia Hills district inaugurated
Our Bureau
SHILLONG: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma has stressed on the need for a railway line in the state.
Inaugurating the newly-created East Jaintia Hills district at Khliehriat on Tuesday, Dr Sangma said Assam is benefitting from Meghalaya’s coal and the rapid development that the neighbouring state is experiencing could also be seen in Meghalaya.
Stating that railways will be a boon to the economy of the State, he urged people to be more accommodating in this regard.
East Jaintia Hills is the ninth district of Meghalaya.
Two more districts — South West Khasi Hills and South West Garo Hills districts — will be inaugurated shortly.
He also urged the people of the new district to extend their support to the government and thus enable it to serve them and fulfill their aspirations. Stating that there have been too many instances where the government has not been permitted to do its work, he urged the people not to waste time by resorting to agitations.
In this regard, Dr Sangma said there has been remarkable change in the last two years which has enabled the government to perform its duties.
Using a small family as an example of efficient management, the Chief Minister informed that Meghalaya has adopted this concept with regard to governance a result of which is that Meghalaya has decided to create four new districts.
Stressing on the fact that rapid and people centric development can only come about with small districts in place, Dr Sangma said, “This is but the beginning of a long journey of development.”
Likening the new East Jaintia Hills district to a new -born baby, Dr Sangma said it demands the attention of both the people and the government and called for a partnership between the two to make the district one of the most vibrant and progressive districts of the state.
With regard to the abundance of natural resources available in the district, Dr Sangma said that a balance between exploitation of these resources and preserving the environment is the need of the hour.
The Chief Minister also appealed to the people of the new district to step forward and offer a helping hand to the government with regard to the construction of the DCs office and said that with their help, a complex where every one of their needs can be catered to under one roof is not impossible.
Saying that it is a red letter day in the history of Meghalaya, Union Minster of State for Water resources Vincent H Pala, while speaking on the occasion as the guest of honour, said, “We are thankful to the government for the new district, but it is not enough, we need roads, more educational institutions and various other develepmental activities for the uplift of the people in the area”.
“The up gradation of the Khliehriat Civil Sub-division to a fullfledged district has fulfilled the dreams and aspiration of the people of Jaintia Hills particularly the people of Khliehriat Civil Sub-Division”, said a prominent resident and the principal of Jaintia Eastern College Phervision Nongtdu.
Other who spoke on the occasion include the Chief Adviser to the Government, DD Lapang, Chief Secretary WMS Pariat, Khliehriat MLA, Nehlang Lyngdoh, PHE Minister Shitlang Pale, Education Minister Dr. RC Laloo. Deputy Chief Ministers- BM Lanong and RA
Lyngdoh – were also present on the occasion.
Earlier, the official notification on creation of the new district was read out by the former East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, Jopthiaw Lyngdoh who later handed over the notification to the newly appointed Deputy Commissioner of the district. (With inputs from our Jowai correspondent and staff reporter)