SHILLONG: The Estimate Committee of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, headed by former Chief Minister D.D.Lapang as chairman which met on Wednesday, summoned several departments and raised many important points on several projects and pointed out projects delayed by the Government departments due to the lack of expected commitment on the part of responsible Officers.
The committee summoned the Food and Civil Supply and dwelt upon the system adopted by the department allotting the quota of rice to the suppliers without finalizing the names, location and number of consumers. The committee also questioned the department as to why the rate of sugar was fixed by the department at Rs 54 per kg whereas the rate at the open market is Rs 44 per kg.
In its explanation the department said that the Government subsidized the rate and it has become less than Rs 44.
The committee pointed out if that subsidy can be avoided the Government would have saved the money.
The committee also discussed on the issue of the construction of 50 bedded MCH wing Hospital at Khliehriat. There was also a discussion on the delay the construction of Medical College at the site of R.P chest Hospital due to non allotment of land at Umsawli, by the Urban Affairs Department.
The members attended the meeting were DD Lapang, MLAs R V Lyngdoh, Jemino Mawthoh, Nihim D.Shira, Witting Mawsor, Senior Officers such as Additional Chief Secretary, Secretaries, Directors and others.
The department summoned by the committee were, Health and Family Welfare, Hospital Management Society, Planning Department, Urban Affairs Department, and Food and Civil Supply Department.
