By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 19: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, after the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, said that a huge chunk of government land has been encroached by the public in Tura, and the state government is working on a model similar to a case in Williamnagar to lease out the land.
The Chief Minister, recalling the similar problem in Williamnagar, said that West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner has done an initial study on the matter.
Stating that land in many areas in Tura like Walbakagre and near Civil Hospital have been encroached, he said that an amicable solution will be sought to settle the encroachment problem except for land which the government requires for important projects.
“We have asked the DC to submit a detailed report with maps, cut-off date and rates,” the chief minister said.
Sangma stated that leasing out land does not mean the government is giving its land to the people but it means that it is trying to find a long-term solution.
Informing that the settlement in Williamnagar is generating revenue worth Rs 2-3 crore a year, the CM said that the state government will earn more revenue from Tura.
Cabinet snippets
The State Cabinet on Tuesday approved the amendment of the Meghalaya Civil Defence and Home Guards (Subordinate) Service Rules.
There was a move to fill up pending posts as done in other departments. Similarly, the Home (Civil Defence and Home Guards) department has also sought amendments to the educational qualifications, which was slightly higher, and bring it at par with the police department.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet also approved the amendment to the Meghalaya Public Service Commission (LOF) Regulations, 1972-Instruction, regarding direct recruitment through the Public Service Commission issued by the Governor subject to the provisions of regulations made under Article 320 (3) of the Constitution.
This pertains to the removal of the word ‘Backward Classes’ from the regulation since according to the Reservation Policy of the state, there is no ‘Backward Class’.
The Cabinet has decided to remove the word.