Fuel price hike, teachers’ impasse form most of general discussion

SHILLONG, March 12: Matters pertaining to the recent skyrocket in prices of fuel and essential commodities, SSA teachers’ demands and pending bills dominated the general discussion on budget of the Assembly on Friday.
The Opposition Congress, yet again, cornered the state government on the issue of rising prices of fuel and essential commodities.
Participating in the discourse, Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem bewailed the price rise of petrol, essential commodities and even beef, which is largely consumed in Meghalaya. The MLA beseeched the government to revamp the health infrastructure, while also suggesting that the Meghalaya Integrated Transport Project should concentrate on improving border roads.
He, lastly, demanded a medical college in Ri Bhoi.
On the other hand, Opposition Chief Whip, PT Sawkmie, said that it is high time that the services of the SSA teachers are regularised, while stressing that a long-term solution to the imbroglio is the need of the hour.
Recalling that many had laid a helping hand to the government amid the pandemic, Sawkmie urged the government to clear the pending bills of people and others who provided it with assistance.
Earlier during the discussion, Mawsynram MLA, HM Shangpliang, said that the improvement works on Welloi-Byrnihat Road should be taken up at the earliest as it was constructed in the 1960s when Meghalaya was a part of the undivided Assam.
Moreover, the MLA also asked the state government to set up a cattle ranch in Janiaw village, claiming that the plains of Mawsynram is conducive for fishery.
Maintaining that Mawsynram has huge potential for tourism, Shangpliang asked the government to consider a financial package to develop the tourist spots there.
Congress MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh, meanwhile, questioned the government on the land acquisition process in setting up  of the entry and exit points across parts of Meghalaya.
Suggesting the government to put in place a commission which can look after the financial management of the state, the MLA took cognizance of the fact that teachers have taken to the streets to demand release of salaries.
With regard to the much-debated law and order front, Ampareen advised the MDA to establish a forensic lab to ensure that crimes are investigated at the earliest.

Assembly Snippets

Sub-centre
Health Minister AL Hek on Friday informed that the construction of the Umwai health sub-centre in East Khasi Hills has been completed. However, Shella MLA Balajied Kupar Synrem flagged his concerns saying that the sub-centre’s door remains closed whenever he passes by the area. He added that the sub-centre is yet to be made operational. Replying to the MLA’s queries, Hek told the House that following the building construction, the Health department had written to the PHE department and the MeECL for water supply and electricity connection, respectively.

Age limit
Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui informed the House on Friday that the upper-age limit for lecturers under the UGC scale for a post in college is 32 years with relaxation of five years for SC/ST candidates. Replying to a question by legislator Adelbert Nongrum, the minister said that the UGC has not prescribed any age limit but the state government has, however, fixed the maximum age at 32 years and 37 years for ST candidates.