By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Lack of a convincing reply on the non utilization of Lafarge money worth over Rs 60 crore has prompted the Opposition Leader Conrad Sangma to seek further clarification on the matter in the House, though it was disallowed.
The Forest Minister Prestone Tynsong in a written reply to the call attention motion moved by Sangma on the delay in releasing the money to the villagers in and around the mining sites at Nongtrai-Shella said that there were certain technical problems which needed to be sorted before releasing the funds.
However, Sangma wanted to know the technical problems which stood in the way of releasing the amount.
The Speaker said that since there was no scope for discussion and clarification, the member cannot ask further questions as the reply was tabled in the House.
In his reply, Tynsong said Lafarge Umiam Private Limited has so far deposited Rs 63,35,78,490 till October 31 , 2012 with the Special Purpose Vehicle Society (SPVC) which was formed to execute projects .
The SPVC had submitted a budget of Rs 18.61 crore for the year 2012-13.
21 areas will be covered to develop public health projects, drinking water supply and construction of domestic sanitary latrines.
The projects for the areas also include construction of five lower primary school building and one secondary school building , financial assistance for tour of students within India for Secondary School students , assistance to sports activities for Upper Primary and Secondary Schools, survey of road work ands and footpaths , livestock rearing , bee keeping, banana, orange, and other citrus fruits, pineapple and areca nut plantations and construction of community halls and village play grounds.
Tynsong said that technical assistance of the concerned departments will be taken on a continuous basis. “The works will also be implemented through concerned departments of the Government”, Tynsong added.