By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Chief minister Dr. Mukul Sangma has once again stressed on the need for more living space in New Delhi for the growing student population from the North East.
The Chief Minister drew attention on the issue during a meeting convened by Union minister for Road Transport and Highways, Oscar Fernandez on Tuesday last.
“There is an urgent need for suitable accommodation for them (students from the North East) which will save them the onerous trouble of not only seeking proper accommodation, but at the same time provide them with a safer environ to focus on their studies,” Dr Sangma said.
The matter was deliberated at length in the meeting which was attended by two other Union Ministers – Ninong Ering (MoS for Minority Affairs) and PS Ghatowar (DoNER Minister). AICC general secretary, Mukul Wasnik, Arunachal Pradesh CM Nabam Tuki, Lok Sabha MP, Takam Sanjoy and Rajya Sabha member Mukut Mithi were also present in the meeting.
It is learnt that the DoNER minister will shortly submit a proposal to the Finance Ministry for support on the matter and ask the Delhi government to allocate land for the same.
The Chief Minister added that the meeting was a follow up of a meeting held last year with AICC vice president Rahul Gandhi where the issue of adequate dwelling space and security to NE students was dwelt at length.
Meanwhile, on Friday, Dr. Sangma wrote to his Karnataka counterpart seeking facilitation in securing land to construct a Meghalaya House as well as a facility to house the burgeoning student population from the northeastern state in Bangalore.