Escalation of power bills
SHILLONG: While admitting that certain localities in Shillong are facing the problem of escalation of power bills, Power Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said in the Assembly on Friday that the government was committed to addressing the issue.
Replying to a question by Jemino Mawthoh (UDP), Dhar said the department will depute personnel to rectify the problem whenever consumers complain about the abnormally high billing.
John Leslee Sangma and Saleng Sangma (Independent), Metbah Lyngdoh (UDP) and Witting Mawsor (HSPDP) also raised the issue and sought the Government’s intervention.
CM hints at MCCL privatisation
SHILLONG: Concerned over the various lapses in the State-run MCCL despite providing funds, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Friday said since the government cannot run business, there is a need to adopt professional approach.
Replying to a call attention motion moved by Titosstarwell Chyne (UDP) on the shortage of gunny bags to carry cement from MCCL, the chief minister said that though the problem was rectified, the government will have to explore varied options to ensure professionalism.
“It is a fact that the government cannot run business compared to private parties. In this context, we will have to explore all means to ensure that the government ventures are viable,” Sangma said.
Father of Khasi alphabet
SHILLONG: The State government has sought the views of scholars and church bodies before officially deciding on Thomas Jones as the father of Khasi alphabet.
In reply to a question by K.P Pangniang (HSPDP), Arts and Culture Minister Ronnie Lyngdoh said in the Assembly on Friday that to make sure that there is no dispute when the government officially decides on the father of Khasi alphabet, there is a need to get authentic information from literary figures, church bodies and scholars.
Witting Mawsor (HSPDP) urged the government to speed up the matter.
Flyover in litigation hurdle
SHILLONG: The flyover project from Rap’s Mansion to Sweeper Lane, Iewduh, did not take off due to litigation, Urban Affairs Minister Ronnie V. Lyngdoh informed the Assembly on Friday.
In reply to a question by Metbah Lyngdoh (UDP), Lyngdoh said that two land owners filed a case and hence, the acquisition of land and its transfer is yet to be completed.
Lakhs spent on studies, consultancy
SHILLONG: The government has spent lakhs of rupees on conducting studies and fees for consultancy services.
In reply to a question by Donkupar Roy (UDP), Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said in the Assembly that Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium, New Delhi, was paid Rs 37 lakh for assessment study to develop agriculture value chain in Meghalaya.
The money paid to Webcon, New Delhi, for consultancy on knowledge management is Rs 8 lakh, Agriculture Finance Corporation, New Delhi, is Rs 27 lakh for study on apiculture project, Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium, New Delhi, Rs 2 lakh for study on agriculture value chain, NABCONS, New Delhi, Rs 27 lakh for consultancy service on water mission, and Agriculture Finance Corporation, New Delhi, Rs 2 lakh for livelihood study, among others.