SHILLONG, Dec 16: The Estimates Committee of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on Monday reviewed the performance and progress of the Education department, Health department, Public Health Engineering (PHE) department, and Community & Rural Development (C&RD) department.
The committee, chaired by Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem, held a meeting with officials from various departments at the conference hall of the MLA Hostel to assess ongoing projects and initiatives.
Regarding the Education department, the committee reviewed the status of three Block Institutes of Teacher Education (BITE) and residential schools. It urged the department to expedite the completion and operational readiness of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in Ri-Bhoi and East Garo Hills, setting a target for completion by 2025.
For the PHE department, specifically the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), the committee emphasised the importance of uninterrupted implementation in border areas. It directed the department to intensify its efforts and submit a detailed status report on the progress made.
In relation to the Health department, the committee assessed the progress of new Maternal and Child Health (MCH) hospitals in Nongstoin and Umsning, with a goal of achieving operational readiness by 2025. It also stressed the need to fast-track upgrades to facilities in civil hospitals, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and Community Health Centres (CHCs).
For the C&RD department, the committee reviewed the construction of new Block Development Officer (BDO) offices, noting that 70-80% of the work had been completed. The department was urged to ensure timely completion of these projects to enhance service delivery across C&RD blocks.
Committee chairman Mayralborn Syiem expressed satisfaction with the overall progress of the projects. He remarked, “The committee looks forward to seeing the discussions held today with the various departments implemented on the ground in both letter and spirit.”
The meeting was attended by committee members Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar (Mawkyrwat MLA), Adelbert Nongrum (North Shillong MLA), Remington Gabil Momin (Rambrai-Jyrngam MLA), Wailadmiki Shylla (Jowai MLA), and Miani D Shira (Ampati MLA), along with officials from the Assembly Secretariat and representatives from the respective departments.
