State to set up Rs 400-cr vety university in RB

SHILLONG, June 2: Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister, Sanbor Shullai on Thursday said the state government has initiated a process to establish a veterinary university at Kyrdemkulai in Ri Bhoi district.
He told reporters the detailed project report (DPR) for the Rs 400-crore project has been prepared and the proposal will be tabled in the Cabinet soon for approval.
“We have initiated the process. The construction site will be at Kyrdemkulai. The DPR has been prepared and after the CM (Conrad K Sangma) returns from his tour next week, it will be placed in the Cabinet for approval,” Shullai said.
Stating that the department has its own land for the varsity, he said once the project is approved by the Cabinet, he will have to go to Delhi to get it sanctioned. He said he will meet Union Minister of State for Veterinary and hold a discussion in this regard.  Shullai, who also holds the portfolio of Department of Prisons and Correctional Services, said the state government will construct a modern central jail in New Shillong Township.
Disclosing that the department had a meeting with the Urban Affairs department, he said, “We passed a resolution. We have in principle signed that a piece of land measuring 25 acres in Mawdiangdiang will be allotted by the Urban Affairs department to the Prisons department for the purpose of the central jail.”
“This existing district jail at Jail Road will be handed over to the Urban Affairs department,” Shullai said, adding the Urban Affairs department proposed the construction of parking facility, stalls, shopping complex etc. in the future, so employment could be generated.
According to him, the jail will have a capacity to house 5,000 inmates – 2,500 males and as many females.
Asked about the reasons behind the delay even after a proposal, he said, “I do not know what happened. The file was not moving and nobody was interested in looking after it. If you work for the state, you have to think about the future.”
He said things started moving after he had taken over the department.
Urban Affairs Minister, Sniawbhalang Dhar is currently in Dubai and he will sign the minutes of the meeting upon his return. Subsequently, the same will be placed in the Cabinet for approval, Shullai added.