State has 45 C&RD blocks
SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Tuesday asked the leaders of the State not to politicise the issue of setting up community and rural development blocks.
While referring to the question on the differences over selection of site for Mawlai Block, the chief minister said setting up of the block is “for our own people and the issue should not be politicised”.
While one section of the leaders preferred the headquarters of Mawlai Block to be in a place accessible to all, others wanted it to be at Mawsiatkhnam.
However, Sangma said, “Ultimately, the block should benefit our own people. And it would be better for the leaders to withdraw from politicising the issue.”
According to the chief minister, the most convenient location can be examined by the government.
“But let all people take a collective decision,” he added.
Sangma said several areas have been readjusted to create new blocks so that there is minimum population which will be convenient in terms of implementation of various schemes.
He said the initial plan of the Government was to create four new blocks but two more were added. With the existing 39 blocks, the State will have as many as 45 blocks with the addition of six more.
The government has already inaugurated four blocks – Demdema in West Garo Hills, Damalgre at Rerapara in South West Garo Hills, Sohiong in East Khasi Hills and Bhoirymbong in Ri Bhoi.
Another two blocks, Mawlai and Bajengdoba in North Garo Hills, will be opened soon.
The cabinet has agreed to go for contractual appointment of officers for the newly created blocks till the Government makes regular sanction for the posts.
