SHILLONG: Governor V. Shanmuganathan might have tried his best to make an impact with his maiden speech in the State Assembly on the first day of the Budget session, but the eloquence did not go down well with UDP legislator Paul Lyngdoh who described the Governor’s address as “high on cliché, rhetoric and goals but low on specific targets and achievability.” The Governor, in his speech, had highlighted the various schemes and policies of the State government envisioned for the overall development of the State. Taking part in the discussion on the Governor’s address, Lyngdoh wanted to know as to how the State government was planning to leverage over Rs 6000 crore meant for the ambitious organic farming programme. While pointing out that lapses in the implementation of the over Rs 50 crore ‘Safe Secure Shillong’ project, Lyngdoh said that stray incidents of ATM vandalisation and accidents were still being reported from parts of the city.
Lyngdoh also blamed the unrestricted entry of people into the State for the rising crime graph. “Meghalaya is a soft state, anyone can enter it and commit an act of vandalism and run away. We need to emulate Sikkim, as the state has effectively controlled crime. It is incumbent upon the government to improve the security scenario in the State.” He expressed concern over the increasing number of untrained teachers in the State. “The presence of untrained teachers has pulled down the quality of education. The government should come out with a comprehensive policy in this regard to improve the education scenario.” Commenting on the abysmal road condition and absence of durable all-weather roads in the State, he said investments made in the road sector have not paid off leading to sheer waste of the limited resources. Meanwhile, UDP’s Jemino Mawthoh pointed out the failure of the Planning department to provide initiatives for development. He also questioned whether the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) alone was a good indicator of growth. Pointing out to the poor quality of water supplied to the people, Mawthoh said following tests conducted by some people it was revealed that the water at Mawlynnong was polluted with pathogens.
Speaking on the border issue, he said, “The plight of the people residing in the border areas needs to be addressed to ensure confidence in such places where there is encroachment by the Assam government.” Raising the issue of delay in completion of the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme Phase III Mawthoh questioned whether the time for its implementation had been extended. UDP MLA Titosstarwell Chyne expressed discontent over the indifferent attitude of the government in scheduling talks with the GNLA and the HNLC.
UDP’s Embhahlang Syiemlieh raised the issue of rising crimes against women.
