GH group questions abandonment of tribal research institute

Tura, March 11: Raising serious concerns on accountability of the government, the Achik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM) has questioned the abandonment of the much-anticipated Tribal Research Institute (TRI) in Chidekgre, Babadam, West Garo Hills.
The project was announced in 2019 by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma but has been in a limbo, with just a few structures to show for the huge amount that was sanctioned for it.
“TRI was envisioned as a landmark institution dedicated to tribal research, cultural preservation, and policy development. The project, with an estimated budget of Rs 48 crore, was primarily funded by the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, which allocated Rs 41 crore for its implementation. Construction was set to begin within two months of its announcement, and by November 2020, the tender process for the first phase was reportedly completed. By July 2021, construction had commenced. However, nearly four years later, the project remains incomplete and abandoned, with no explanation from the authorities regarding the delay or suspension of work,” said AHAM president, Georgeprince Momin, through a press communiqué.
According to the group, only the museum has been completed, while the hostel has remained abandoned for three years, and construction of the main academic building has not even started.
“The incomplete state of the institute raises serious concerns about mismanagement and the government’s lack of commitment to its own promises. The establishment of the TRI in Garo Hills was meant to fulfil the vision of Late PA Sangma who believed in the need for documenting and preserving tribal heritage, traditions, governance models, and socio-economic studies to inform better policy decisions and development strategies. The vision that is now being reduced to an abandoned, incomplete structure due to government inaction and neglect,” stated AHAM.
Questioning the abandonment of the project, the organisation sought an immediate investigation into the matter.
AHAM felt the government was duty bound to provide answers to restore public confidence.
“The government needs to investigate possible mismanagement and hold those responsible accountable. Blacklist the contractor if found guilty of incompetence or failure to meet deadlines and restart construction. We have waited long enough for this meaningful development and it’s time to ensure this happens,” said Momin.