By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 30: An awareness programme was on Monday organised by the Committee on Petitions of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, in collaboration with the Office of the Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner, to sensitise Block Development Officers (BDOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) about the committee’s role as a vital link between citizens and the Assembly.
According to a statement here, the programme was held in Nongpoh and was chaired by Acting Chairman of the committee and Mawlai MLA, Brightstarwell Marbaniang. Committee members, viz. Rambrai-Jyrngam MLA Remington Gabil Momin, Mawhati MLA Charles Marngar and Rajabala MLA Dr Mizanur Rahman Kazi were present on the occasion along with Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem and Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal.
“All four BDOs of Ri-Bhoi district were present at the programme, which aimed to raise awareness about the roles and responsibilities of the Committee on Petitions and its function as a vital link between citizens and the Legislative Assembly,” the statement said.
In his keynote address, Marbaniang highlighted the importance of legislative awareness.
“The Petition Committee serves as a platform for citizens to voice their concerns and grievances to the Legislative Assembly. Many are aware of the three pillars of governance—Legislature, Executive and Judiciary—and today we are here to highlight how the Legislature, through various committees like the Petition Committee, ensures accountability and public engagement.”
On the other hand, Marngar encouraged SHGs and NGOs to actively bring forward issues to the committee, whilst Momin urged the citizens to collaborate for community development and use the petitioning process to help the marginalised.
On the other hand, Kazi underlined the historical significance of the committee, calling it one of the oldest and most important committees in the Legislature that acts as a bridge between the people and lawmakers.
“The Petition Committee is one of the oldest and most important Committees in the Legislature. It acts as a bridge between the people and the lawmakers. Our visit today is to help you understand how to effectively use this mechanism to address your issues,” Kazi said.
Syiem, meanwhile, welcomed the initiative and exhorted the people of Ri-Bhoi in general and Nongpoh in particular to make the most of the opportunity to engage with the committee and bring forward their concerns for redressal.
“Participants from various SHGs expressed appreciation for the initiative and shared their views and challenges, acknowledging the opportunity to directly engage with the Committee and seek redressal for their concerns,” the statement said.