Questions govt on various issues
SHILLONG: Leader of Opposition Donkupar Roy has batted for construction of “good national highways” in areas along the international border in the State.
Participating in the debate on the Governor’s address during the ongoing budget session of the Assembly on Monday, Roy said that the PWD must examine ideas of developing highways in the border areas.
Stating that the Indo-Bangla border is being fenced, Roy said that construction of national highways along the borders would help in transportation of goods and provide better connectivity to the villagers. “The Government of India should understand that we have sacrificed everything for national security and they should agree to provide good roads and highways along the border areas,” he said.
Roy pointed out that the roads leading to the Land Customs Stations and exports’ points must be double-laned. Lamenting the fact that border areas still do not have quality schools, he said the government must come up with a special package for development of villages adjoining the border areas. Roy also questioned the PHE department for water scarcity and wondered how the Swacch Bharat Abhiyan can succeed when toilets do not have adequate water.
Lakroh Hydro power project a non-starter
On the power sector, the Opposition leader said that the 1.5 mw Lakroh Hydro power project in East Jaintia Hills has remained a non-starter since several years even as power fluctuation remains a major problem in rural areas with people suffering losses due to the damage to their expensive electrical gadgets.
“Why don’t we introduce solar power in government buildings and schools?” Roy queried.
Referring to the education sector, Roy said government colleges do not have enough teachers and infrastructure also pointed to the frequent transfer of lecturers.
Slamming the Government over the poor performance of government schools, he said inspections are never carried out in these schools and teacher absenteeism and proxy teachers continue to be the bane of education in the State.
False coal mining hopes
Roy also criticised the state government over the issue of coal mining saying that it has given false hopes on resuming coal mining in Meghalaya.
Admitting that the prohibition on coal mining has affected large sections of people in the State, Roy said there is need to work on how coal mining can be resumed while adhering to environmental norms.
Meanwhile, the Leader of Opposition also raised a question about the security of tourists in the State saying that some local miscreants recently looted Rs 10000 from tourists in Dawki. He asked the government to develop proper roads in all the tourist sites in the State.