Illegal JHADC check gates
Nartiang legislator ECB Bamon has accused the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) of operating two illegal check gates within its own jurisdiction.
The MLA made the accusation during the Question Hour on the first day of the Assembly winter session here on Tuesday. Claiming that the two illegal check gates of the JHADC are functioning in Shangpung and Nartiang, Bamon demanded an inquiry into the presence of the illegal check gates.
Minister in charge District Council Affairs, HDR Lyngdoh, while responding Bamon’s allegation, claimed that the department was not aware of the presence of the two illegal check gates.
Lyngdoh, however, assured the House that the matter would be verified and suitable action would be initiated against the two check gates if they are found functioning.
The Nartiang MLA also wanted to know under which provision of the law the JHADC was imposing taxes within its own jurisdiction to which Lyngdoh informed that the Council was collecting taxes under different laws made on different subjects as empowered under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and with the assent of the Governor.
Tura Governor House
GAD Minister AL Hek on Tuesday informed the House that the State Government has planned to finish construction of the Governor House in Tura by April 15, 2013.
Hek made the assertion while replying to a question raised by the Leader of the Opposition Conrad Sangma on the current status of the project.
The GAD Minister informed that structural work, walling, plastering and flooring of the main building has been completed along with the structural works and walling of 15 staff quarters.
The total estimate of the project, which was sanctioned in April 2011, is Rs 5.47 crore.
Construction of new roads
PWD (Roads) Minister HDR Lyngdoh on Tuesday informed the House that 79 new roads have been constructed in the State in the last five years.
He was responding to a question posed by Nongstoin MLA Hoping Stone Lyngdoh.
The Minister informed that 8481.273 kilometers of roads are being maintained by the PWD, adding that 5156 muster rolls have been appointed by the Department.
Responding to a supplementary question of the Nongstoin legislator, the Minister informed that fifteen news roads have been constructed in Nongstoin area.
Earlier, Nartiang MLA ECB Bamon sought to know the condition of the Nartiang-Jonglywit-Barato road, to which the PWD Minister replied that the road is in motorable condition and repairing is done depending on the availability of funds.
However, Bamon sought to differ from the Minister’s response and claimed that the said road is in a worse condition.
Nongstoin Water Supply Scheme
PHE Minister Shitlang Pale informed the House that the Nongstoin Water Supply Scheme has been delayed due to fund constraints. He also informed that the project was sanctioned in December 2011 at an estimated cost of Rs 133.94 crore.