SHILLONG: The High Court of Meghalaya on Monday disposed of a PIL after getting assurance from the state government regarding shelter homes for the homeless.
During the hearing of the PIL in this regard filed by Khroolamsalanki Pariat, the affidavit by Joint Secretary, Urban Affairs Department revealed starting of the work for extension of night shelter home located at the first floor of the shelter home of Shillong Municipal Board.
Besides, supply of basic amenities like beds, curtains, mattress, chairs, tables and others to the existing shelter home under Shillong Municipal Board are being provided and process shall be completed on May 30.
Construction of shelter home at Jowai has been completed.
In Williamnagar, the Deputy Commissioner has been instructed to explore the possibility of providing temporary shelter home in any of the government buildings and residential government quarter at D.C. colony has been allotted for setting up of temporary shelter home for homeless at Williamnagar having five rooms with a total carpet area of 110 sqm.
Shillong, Jowai and Tura Municipal Boards have been instructed to submit their proposals for basic amenities.
Additional Senior Government Advocate submitted that all the concerned authorities have assured that they will complete all pending projects and will ensure providing all basic amenities for the shelter home maintained by the Municipal Boards by May 30.
Since the government had stated that by May 30, all basic amenities will be available to all shelter homes, therefore, “we trust them and hope that they will not prolong the matter anymore”, the court said.
The court said in view of the position, proceedings of the PIL were closed.
However, the petitioner is at liberty that in case any laxity is noticed in completion of shelter homes, she shall be at liberty to lay proper motion and if it is laid, the same will be at the peril of the concerned defaulting authority.