From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, Aug 18: The Estimates Committee of the Assembly carried out inspections of several long-pending projects in Ri-Bhoi district on Monday.
The committee, led by its Chairman Mayralborn Syiem alongside members Wailadmiki Shylla (Jowai MLA), Adelbert Nongrum (North Shillong MLA), Remington G Momin (Rambrai Jyrngam MLA) and Charles Marngar (Mawhati MLA), visited Nongpoh constituency to review the progress of the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) and Polytechnic projects at Raid Nongkhrah, Nonglyngdoh, as well as the new Umsning C&RD Block office.
The ITI, sanctioned at a cost of Rs 1.21 crore, was meant to offer training in trades such as electrician, fitter, mechanical diesel and welder. However, the project has remained incomplete for years due to lack of essential infrastructure including road connectivity and electricity supply. The committee directed the concerned department to expedite its completion.
On the Polytechnic project, sanctioned at Rs 12.30 crore, officials informed that around 90% of the construction work had been completed. The institute, which will offer diploma courses in Interior Design, Beauty Culture and Cosmetology, among others, is expected to be operational within the coming months. The Committee stressed that the remaining work should be completed swiftly in the interest of local students.
The committee also inspected the new Umsning C&RD Block office, which remains unfinished. Local MLA Dr Celestine Lyngdoh was present during the visit. The Estimates Committee instructed the contractor to complete the project by November 2025 and directed officials to ensure the office is functional before December. Speaking after the inspection, Committee Chairman Syiem said the exercise was part of the panel’s mandate to monitor stalled projects across the district. “We will continue to follow up so that these projects move forward and are completed at the earliest for the benefit of students, the public and the people of the region as a whole,” he said.
