TURA: Organizations of Jengjal in West Garo Hills have lambasted the State Government for delay in finalising the exact location of the Jengjal Farmers’ Market and accused it of trying to secretly shift the facility from its original location.
Combined organizations from the area comprising of the GSU, GSMC, ADE, FKJGP, AAYF, AHAM, AYWO, Mothers’ Union and the local Bazar Committee along with the general public on Monday issued a statement criticising the government for delaying to resolve the matter.
Earlier, the alleged shifting of the proposed Jengjal Farmers’ market from its original site had evoked widespread condemnation from both organizations and the general public and several public meetings and rallies were also organized to pressurize the government. The proposed project comes under Community and Rural Development (C&RD).
“During our meeting with the concerned C&RD official, we were assured that the site would be inspected within one week and after consultation with the public, all necessary works would begin. But now, it has been several months and we are yet to be intimated by the department on the matter,” A D Sangma, the vice president of the combined organizations said.
According to the organizations, a total amount of Rs 10 crores was sanctioned for the proposed project which at present is lying unutilized.
“Development funds from the centre which is meant for the public must be utilized for the good of the public. The proposed market must come up at the original site preferred by the public. We will never agree to its shifting and resort to large scale democratic agitation if necessary,” the organizations warned.
The organizations also criticized local representatives from the area for not speaking out and failing to take up the issue.