SHILLONG, Aug 13: Union Minister of State (MoS) for Jal Shakti and Tribal Affairs Bishweswar Tudu is not fully satisfied with the implementation of various central schemes in the state.
After a series of review meetings on different central schemes being implemented in the state, Tudu on Saturday said, “In pen and paper, I am happy, but practically I am not happy.”
With regard to the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), the Union minister said that the project is delayed and challenged by many issues including topography, while adding that the department has been directed to try and complete the project within the stipulated time and even take extension if required, but it needs to complete it within 2024.
“If I will tell the development works in agriculture or horticulture or road communication, drinking water and specifically under Tribal Affairs Ministry, I am satisfied. But somewhere it needs to be improved and I hope in future it will be followed and work will progress,” he said.
Shifting attention to the crucial Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme (GSWSS) Phase-III, the Union MoS said it should be completed on time or it will attract action.
After a review, the MoS has found the Mawphlang treatment plant to be technically sound, and he has no complaints.
Talking about a new initiative named Mission Amrit Sarovar launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi this year with the aim of developing and rejuvenating 75 water bodies in each district of the country as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, the Union minister said, “The state has identified many water bodies to increase the water capacity.” On Ekalavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), he said that he was informed that two EMRS resident schools are under construction, while the process of tendering is not yet completed for the rest of them due to challenges such as land acquisition.
A total of 40 EMRS have been sanctioned in all the blocks of the state to transform the secondary education scenario in Meghalaya
“It is a dream of the Prime Minister that it should be completed before 2024 and the duty of the state government is to start work immediately otherwise the work awarded to agencies will be withdrawn and given to others,” he added.
The MoS also threw light on allegations that only proposals of the ruling parties and their elected representatives are taken into consideration and not others.
With regard to this, he has directed the state government to consider the proposals of all political parties for developmental schemes.
“There are allegations that only the proposal of the ruling parties are taken into consideration while the other parties are not. It has been directed, suggested and advised to consider,” Tudu in a press briefing on Saturday.
