SHILLONG, May 5: An inquiry has been instituted by the state government to look into the controversy with regard to poor accommodation facilities for participants of the ongoing 4th Meghalaya Games, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said on Thursday.
The topic was surrounded by criticisms from several quarters then it escalated to the point where the CM himself had to visit the venue at Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex to take stock of the arrangements.
Before that, the social media was abuzz with portrayals of the sorry state of affairs of arrangements for the sportspersons — soiled bathrooms, leaking roofs and unhygienic conditions. Pictures of these went viral on social media, which then caught the attention of the CM, who subsequently swung into action.
“It is important to learn from the mistake that was made. We also need to ensure that necessary steps are taken against people who are responsible for these lapses,” Sangma told reporters.
He, however, maintained that it is important to realise nothing is perfect, while again reminding everyone that the Games is being held after many years. He stated that there is a need to learn from what went wrong and improve in those areas to ensure that it does not recur.
According to the CM, the Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA) has tried its best but there were shortcomings nonetheless.
“In the larger picture, what is important is to move on. Let not this one incident overshadow the entire importance of the Games. It is also important to note that it is being held only for the fourth time in the past 50 years,” the chief minister said, while emphasising that 2,600 participants are competing at the event.
Just recently, dissent in the matter had been filled to the brim so much so that some demanded the removal of the Sports Minister of Meghalaya.
Asking the CM to strip the minister of his portfolio, the All India Trinamool Congress Pynursla Block Committee had said that someone “more competitive” can replace the minister.
