Non implementation of ADB funded education project
SHILLONG: Government Chief Whip, Ronnie V. Lyngdoh, on Friday asked the various departments to avoid blame game and work together to ensure that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) funded multi-crore education project becomes a reality.
The ADB had financed a $100 million project with an aim to improve secondary education and vocational training in the State. The project, however, is yet to materialize.
Moving a Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s address, Lyngdoh pointed out that PWD (Buildings) had not done enough to ensure that school buildings are established.
“There is no proper co-ordination between the PWD and the Education departments which are trying to shift the blame on each other with regard to the implementation of the project. It is also time for the PWD to pull up its socks.”
Speaking on the need to upgrade the educational scenario in the State, he said that schools to be funded by the ADB fall mostly in rural areas.
“Schools should be identified to complete the project for the benefit of the State,” Lyngdoh said.
It may be mentioned that the Philippines-based ADB had financed the project and the loan is said to be the first in India with a focus on improving education and skills.
Under the ADB’s “Supporting Human capital Development in Meghalaya” project, 117 government aided secondary and higher secondary schools of Meghalaya will be upgraded in terms of infrastructure, teaching and learning methods.
The project which supports human and capital development in Meghalaya plans to bring to State’s rural schools the right curriculum, teaching and equipment.
While reacting to an India Today survey on the ranking of small states in terms of power, education, communication etc., Lyngdoh informed that the survey placed Meghalaya in the 8th position and thus depicted a dismal picture of the education department in the State.
Lyngdoh stated that funds amounting to crores of rupees were provided by Government of India to set up schools in nine C&RD blocks in backward areas. He, however, informed that the funding has been reduced to 50 per cent now.
With regard to Central Institutes being set up in the State, he said, “These institutes should adhere to Central Government Reservation Policy.”
He pointed out that the National Institute of Technology (NIT) had no reservation for Scheduled Tribes in its advertisement.
Power scenario woes
Lyngdoh, while speaking of the power scenario in the State said, “The Power department is functioning like a commercial entity. We understand it is a corporation but MeECL has social obligations too.”
Citing an example, he expressed concern over the delay in replacing a transformer whenever one gets burnt. He requested the authorities to set things right immediately in such cases.
Transport solution for development
Speaking on the transport system in the State, he said, “The construction of the airport has to speed up to bring in development in tourism, floriculture and horticulture sectors among others.”
Land compensation row
With regard to land compensation for acquisition of land by NHAI to owners whose land had been acquired for widening of Shillong-Guwahati road (four-lane), he said that the Ri Bhoi deputy commissioner appeared insensitive to the grievances of the land owners.
“There is the lackadaisical attitude on the part of the district administration with regard to the payment of concessions. It was found that the compensation was paid to the wrong people,” Lyngdoh said.
On the other hand, he called for the implementation of the National Food Security Act at the earliest.
Taking note of the appalling health scenario in the State, he noted that equipment including endoscopy machine, CT Scan and EMRI machines were not utilized for treating patients at the Civil Hospital.