SHILLONG, March 27: Terming the three autonomous district council (ADCs) in the state the key stakeholders in terms of overall development of the state, former Assembly Speaker and Mairang MLA, Metbah Lyngdoh asked the government to strengthen the ADCs.
Speaking during the general discussion on Governor’s address on Monday, Metbah said that the ADCs should be empowered to prepare plans in different areas. “We should also not only in terms of grants but endow them with more powers so that they can preserve the identity and culture of our people,” he added.
The three district councils in the state are the KHADC, GHADC and JHADC.
On law and order, Metbah advised the government to exercise caution and enforce measures in border villages of the state so as to ensure that incidents like Mukroh are avoided.
Recalling that the Union budget had allocated 30.18 per cent of the total budget to the Defence Ministry, the former Speaker urged the government to ensure that border outposts set up in Mukroh and other areas are well-equipped with infrastructure.
He also flagged the need to step up the fight against drug abuse.
“It is our responsibility as legislators to give attention to this issue which is already one of the talking points in almost all the villages and town of the state. The government should identify high-risk districts for community participation which is very important,” he said, while suggesting a survey among school and college students and awareness campaigns.
He also emphasised on the effective management of state economics, while drawing the chief minister’s attention to the protection of the environment and urging him to take steps to prevent further negligence.
Airing concern over the plight of the teachers, Metbah urged the chief minister to set a timeframe to clear their dues or disburse the salaries on time, and to follow the same setup for the scholarship of students.
He also sought government support for colleges run by community or mission, while stating that these are well-performing institutes.
The UDP legislator called for special funds to support the outstanding youths to prepare for Civil Services and other competitive exams.
With regard to the Health sector, the Mairang MLA batted for better infrastructure in health centres to prevent patients from being referred to private hospitals.
Lastly, he stressed on an accountable media while terming the current age as the time of social media.
