By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 27: The Co-Chairman of the Meghalaya State Planning Board, John F Kharshiing, has petitioned Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, asking him to synergise the objectives of the Invest Meghalaya Authority with those of the Meghalaya Economic Development Council (MEDC).
He said the move would foster greater vision, stability and continuity in the economic policies of Meghalaya.
The MEDC was established following a unanimous resolution passed by the Meghalaya Assembly on September 18, 1995, and subsequently notified by the Parliamentary Affairs Department in 1995, with further amendments in 2006 and 2007.
According to Kharshiing, the objectives of the MEDC align with the vision of economic growth and employment generation for Meghalaya as the council’s mandates include advising the state government on issues relating to the industrial and economic policies, deliberating on and examining the constraints inhibiting flow of investments into the state, and possible steps for the removal thereof.
He said the urgency of addressing employment opportunities cannot be overstated while referring to the overwhelming response to the Police department’s recruitment drive, where 1,72,904 applicants vied for 3,000-odd vacancies with 21,007 applying for the posts of sub-inspectors and the remaining 1,51,897 for the posts of constables.
“Such figures underscore the need for immediate and comprehensive measures to create job opportunities for our youth,” Kharshiing said.
He also drew the chief minister’s attention to Section 17 of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council’s Village and Town Development Council Act, 2021, which empowers the local councils to engage in participatory developmental planning, resource mapping, and implementation of schemes.
“By including the objectives of these councils with the objectives of both Invest Meghalaya Agency and MEDC, we can promote participatory grassroots-level insights and ensure inclusive economic planning,” he said.
Emphasising the objectives of the Meghalaya Transfer of Land Regulation Act, 1971, which highlights the necessity of protecting the interests of the tribes of the state, he advised including stakeholders in the committee notifying the deputy commissioners as competent authorities.
Kharshiing said including representatives from relevant committees and stakeholders in such discussions would address public concerns, instil confidence, and pave the way for stable economic policies.
“The proposed Invest Meghalaya Authority could greatly benefit from synergy with the objectives of the MEDC. These two entities can create a robust, cohesive platform for formulating and implementing stable, long-term economic policies. Such synergy will ensure sustained economic growth and address pressing issues such as unemployment,” he said.