SHILLONG, March 14: With less than a year left until the showdown in 2023 Assembly polls, majority of the MLAs raised issues such as roads, health centres and even setting up new of new block development offices among other public-centric issues during the general discussion on the budget on Monday.
Participating in the discussion, Opposition Chief Whip George B Lyngdoh urged the state government to set up Child Development Project Office and Block Resource Centre offices under Bhoirymbong C&RD Block, and also sought the upgrade of Umiam State Dispensary into PHC.
He also asked of the government to upgrade Mawthei and Lumshyiap lower primary schools. The Opposition Chief Whip, however, lauded the state government for providing free household tap connection for Umroi Pyllun village and setting up the new office of Bhoirymbong Block.
Joining the Assembly discussion, Suspended Congress MLA from Mawlai Constituency, PT Sawkmie, has asked the state government to construct a football ground at Mawsiatkhnam under his constituency.
On the other hand, All India Trinamool Congress legislator, HM Shangpliang, requested the state government to upgrade the Mawsynram C&RD Block into a Civil Sub-Division, which has been a demand of the stakeholders for some time.
UDP MLA from Mawphlang Constituency, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, said that there are 41 villages under his constituency which are not connected via roads.
Lyngdoh also questioned the government with regard to the stoppage of Mawphlang Science and Commerce College construction.
With an attempt to bring administration closer to the people, Sohra Civil Sub-Division should be upgraded to a district, Shella MLA of the UDP, Balajied Kupar Synrem, told the House. “Sohra deserved to be upgraded to a district as promised by the state government,” Synrem said.
Shifting focus to health, he Shella MLA asked the government to upgrade Majai Sub Centre into a PHC, and construct a sub centre at Nongjri village.
NPP MLA from Selsella, Ferlin A Sangma, flagged the pathetic condition of the AMPT road along the stretch connecting Rajabala to Garobadha via Hallidayganj in West Garo Hills.
“This road is the life of the people of many villages. Majority of residents are farmers and small-times business owners who require commuting daily to different markets through this road,” she said.
The Selsella MLA also emphasised the need to set up more health centres in the district, while pointing out that there is only one CHC at Selsella and another referral PHC and few sub centres in her constituency.
Earlier, participating in the general discussion, Mawryngkneng MLA Pyniaid Sing Syiem of NPP lauded the state government for the widening and improvement work on the 12-km road from Itshyrwat to Mawdiangdiang, Mawkasiang and Mawpdang villages. The project was funded by the World Bank.
Syiem said the road, once completed, would become critical since the state government is planning to shift its offices to New Shillong Township.
Meanwhile, the NPP MLA said the bridge connecting Umpling Don Sharum with Madan Rumnong near MES will help in reducing traffic congestion in Shillong.
Work charge employees regularisation
Deputy Chief Minister, in charge PWD (Roads), Prestone Tynsong said that the PWD will take up the issue of regularisation of as many as 550 work charge employees with the Finance and Personnel department one more time.
Replying to a short duration discussion moved by AITC MLA HM Shangpliang, the minister clarified that this is an issue of regularisation and the government cannot sanction posts.