NONGSTOIN: The Hima of Nongstoin, believed to be one of the best functioning Syiemship had earlier promised the people of Nongstoin via a press statement that they would soon undertake a project to upgrade and beautify the Nongstoin market place.
It was also reported that the Hima of Nongstoin gets an annual income of about Rs 1.60 crore exclusively from the toll gates and other paltry taxes from the parking lots during market days and from various taxes on playgrounds allotted to trade fairs etc.
It may be mentioned that Hima of Nongstoin is one of the best organized and systematic Himas of the state. In terms of its governance at the Hima level, Hima Nongstoin is very modern and reasonable in its approach.
Besides, Hima Nongstoin is the only Hima which by the assent of the Governor of Meghalaya empowers the Sordar Shnongs the power of attestation. As per the rule of Hima Nongstoin, any Sordar Shnong who is a matriculate and is employed to the post of UDA has the power to attest. Also incorporated in the rule, any Sordar Shnong who has passed Class XII or equivalent has the direct power to attest irrespective of whether he is employed or unemployed.
Despite the presence of a sound functioning Hima, the Nongstoin market place is like the way it was almost two decades ago. The place also lacks proper parking facilities rendering the traffic in shambles especially during the two market days in a week.
Even though the project is yet to materialize, people in Nongstoin are optimistic that the Hima Nongstoin under the new Syiem would fulfill their long cherished dreams of an organized and modern market area.