64th anniversary of district council
SHILLONG: On the 64th anniversary celebration of the KHADC on Monday, CEM P.N. Syiem appealed to fellow MDCs, officers and staff of the council to stay united to overcome challenges faced by the indigenous people.
Addressing a gathering here on the occasion, Syiem said, “There has to be an understanding between the State government, KHADC, Dorbar Shnong, Hima and Dorbar Raid.”
“Lack of understanding by the State government on the affairs of the district council has led to accumulation of pending bills of the KHADC with the DCA and Law departments. There should be sincerity on the part of the government. On the part of the district council, we will strengthen the tradition and culture along with the traditional institutions of Dorbar Shnong, Raid and Hima,” he added.
He observed that the State presents a grim picture in terms of boundary issues, political developments, environment, culture and tradition and economy as these have remained unresolved till date.
Stating that there has been a failure on the part of the State government and the KHADC to identify some of well-known talents in Meghalaya who have made a mark outside the state or country, he said, “It is high time we tap the services of Khasi NRIs.”
Syiem criticized the lack of foresight since the economic development of the State is crippled from the NGT ban on coal mining that has affected the economy of the State. He bemoaned that there was no proper policy framed with regard to mining in the State.
Speaking on the work culture, he said, “We should be sincere and accountable to the people with a need to streamline to usher in new thoughts and new system. In such a situation we can bring back the lost glory of the Khasi Hills.”
Other speakers during the programme included Rev. O.L. Snaitang and Natalie West Kharkongor, Associate Professor, IIM Shillong.