TURA: Lok Sabha member from Tura Conrad K. Sangma led a delegation to the Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday to meet its top official for the North East and apprised him of the issues plaguing the Garo Hills including the delay by the Meghalaya government in releasing central funds meant for the autonomous district councils.
The new Tura MP, who was accompanied by former Rajya Sabha member Thomas A. Sangma and chief opposition whip in the state legislature James K. Sangma, met with Joint Secretary-North East in the MHA Satyendra Garg at his office chamber in New Delhi.
During their discussion, Conrad took up the issue of transfer of minor departments to the GHADC which has not been completed till date due to lack of co-ordination and holding of meetings between the State government and the council.
He pointed out that the Central government’s release of funds for the three district councils in Meghalaya under the Special Assistance programme was still in the hands of the State government since February 18 this year with no sign of any move to release it to the autonomous bodies.
Since the funds are exclusively for the district councils, the delegation felt that the Meghalaya government was ‘deliberately’ delaying its release and requested the Central government to intervene to ensure the sanctioned funds reach the three councils. The issue of peace agreements with militant groups in Garo Hills was also raised by the Tura MP.
He expressed concern over the failure on the part of the State government to fulfill the terms and conditions inked in the peace agreement with both the ANVC and ANVC-B.
During the deliberations, the Tura MP apprised the MHA that the State government had been highly irregular in releasing the stipends for the cadres who signed the accord.
The MP expressed concern that such lapses would have an adverse effect on the current situation which has been moving in a positive direction.
The delegation also raised concern about the Central and State governments’ stand and policy on how they would rehabilitate cadres of other groups, such as the GNLA, whose cadres and leaders have been surrendering in large numbers in recent times.
They expressed apprehension that unless proper steps are taken to look after the surrendered members it might discourage other cadres who may wish to come over ground.
Opposition MDCs meet GHADC staff: Meanwhile, opposition MDCs of the GHADC met the district council staff relating to the salary crisis wherein the employees have not been paid their dues for months.
The opposition MDCs assured the staff of the council that they would raise the issue with Chief Minister Mukul Sangma and seek early release of the council funds.
With the GHADC complex in Tura in need of a new infrastructure since the existing building has outlived its utility, the opposition MDCs informed the council staff association that the issue would also be taken up with the chief minister.
