SHILLONG/TURA: Both Governor Tathagata Roy and Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said since Meghalaya is experiencing peace, people have to make use of the opportunity for development.
“The overall internal security situation has significantly improved over the last one year. We must now take this opportunity and redouble our efforts to ensure durable peace and sustained development in the state,” the governor said while addressing the gathering during the Republic Day function in the city on Saturday.
Similarly, in his address in Tura, the chief minister highlighted the peace achieved through the sustained efforts of administration and people.
He also narrated the incidents leading to neutralisation of GNLA and surrender of other militants, including those from the HNLC.
According to the chief minister, even during the movement for statehood, the people had abided by principles of democratic ethos to strive for peace and freedom.
“Having fully aware that violence could never be the way out for any problem, therefore, we should always resort through meaningful dialogues and peaceful engagements to solve problems. On this solemn occasion, I earnestly appeal to all the citizens of the state to hold steadfastly to the ideals and principles of democracy as we move forward to realise our goals and aspirations for achieving all-round development,” the chief minister said.
Earlier, the governor said the government was concentrating its efforts on making increased investments in human capital development.
Model schools
Roy said the state government is in the process of getting approvals for Ekalavya Residential Model Schools (EMRS) in all the 11 districts. “The setting up of these schools brings in Rs. 264 crore of capital investment and an annual recurring investment of Rs. 57 crore toward development of human capital. This has the potential to bring about a transformation in the quality of education provided to rural boys and girls,” he added.
In higher education, two new model degree colleges have been sanctioned at Patharkhmah and Rongjeng and two existing colleges have been sanctioned for upgradation to model degree colleges at Mawkyrwat and Nongtalang.
A state-of-art diagnostic center is being set up at the Pasteur Institute in Shillong with an investment of Rs 20 crore being provided under the North Eastern Special Infrastructure Development Schemes of NEC.
Roy informed that the government, for the first time, got funds under Tribal Sub Scheme and an amount of Rs 33 crore is already sanctioned by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
“Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, the state is expected to spend about Rs 1,000 crore this financial year. Out of this, Rs 602 crore has already been sanctioned and Rs 398 crore is under consideration by the Government of India. This amounts to an almost four-fold increase over last year’s spending under the programme,” he said.
Fashion fibre
Further, an initiative to promote ramie as a high street fashion fibre, in collaboration with the embassy of France has been formalised with the first ever exhibition held at the French Embassy at New Delhi onMay 2018 which was a runaway success.
The government is committed to providing adequate safe drinking water and sanitation facilities to all the inhabitants of the state. Two important water supply schemes are being proposed under North Eastern Special Infrastructure Development Schemes — Greater Sohra Water Supply Scheme at a cost of Rs 25 crore and laying of new feeder mains under the Tura Phase – I &’ II Water Supply Scheme at a cost of Rs. 35 crore.
The government has also sanctioned 31 rural water supply schemes with its own resources with an investment of about Rs 38 crore.
After becoming an ‘Open Defecation Free’ (ODF) state, Meghalaya is now faced with an equally challenging issue of ODF sustainability and ensuring that the constructed toilets are used.
Accordingly, a system of verifications and retrofitting of existing units, where needed, is being put in place. Another initiative called ‘ODF Plus’, dealing with solid and liquid waste management, has also been launched.
Arts & culture
Along with tourism, promoting and celebrating the arts and culture of the state is of great importance to the government. Accordingly, a Tribal Research Institute is proposed to be set up in West Garo Hills District with a cost of Rs 40 crore.
The Kiang Nangbah Indigenous Knowledge and Culture Centre at Syntu Ksiar, Jowai and the Pa Togan Sangma Indigenous, Knowledge and Culture Centre in Williamnagar, East Garo Hills, which are created in memory of the freedom fighters will also be functional soon. A detailed documentation of the history of the state through colonial times, pre-statehood and after emergence of the state in 1972 till date is also being commissioned.
“We are gearing to host the 39th National Games in 2022 and over 9700 athletes are expected to participate in 36 sports disciplines. Shillong will be the host city and Tura will be the sub-city for these Games,” the governor mentioned in his speech.
“Shillong, the capital of our state, has enormous development potential and recognising this, the city was selected for comprehensive development under the Smart Cities Mission with joint funding by the Government of India and the state. The state government has set up a Special Purpose Vehicle called the Shillong Smart City Ltd. to implement the scheme. The process for the preparation of DPRs for various projects under ‘Smart City’ has been initiated,” he added.
CRPF, IIM celebrates day
Meanwhile, CRPF celebratedthe day at North Eastern Sector Headquarters, Shillong. Flag hoisting ceremony was conducted by Prakash D, IPS. 2 Kirti Chakra (Posthumous), 1 Shaurya Chakra, 3 President Police Medal for Gallantry and 41 Police Medal for Gallantry, 5 President Police Medal for Distinguished service and 57 Police Medal for Meritorious service, a total of 109- the highest number of Medals among all the Security Forces, have been awarded to the officers and men of CRPF.
IIM Shillong witnessed participation of its fraternity during Republic Day celebration at its current Mayurbhanj Palace campus. Prof Keya Sengupta, Director in charge of the Institute hoisted the National Flag in presence of students, faculties, officers, staffs and security personnel. Addressing the gathering, he said, “This is an occasion for celebration but at the same time, it is an occasion for contemplation. As we say in management, working on the action plan for the future.”