By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 28: Meghalaya BJP on Friday acknowledged growing concerns over the alleged delay in clearing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) payments, contending that the issue requires the state government’s immediate attention.
State BJP general secretary Wankitbok Pohshna, while noting that BJP vice president Bernard Marak has repeatedly raised questions on JJM irregularities, said the Centre had earlier flagged certain states for lapses in implementation.
He pointed out that Meghalaya did not feature in that list but maintained that reports of massive unpaid dues could not be ignored.
Referring to contractors’ complaints, Pohshna said the All Jaintia Contractors and Suppliers Association, along with contractors from across the Khasi-Jaintia Hills, had accused the state government of failing to clear bills amounting to about Rs 700 crore under JJM.
He said the contractors had claimed these dues have been pending since 2019 despite project completion.
Pohshna added that such prolonged delays would naturally affect the livelihoods of contractors and suppliers.
He stated that it would be inappropriate for him to make firm comments before verifying the full facts but said the state government should address the matter promptly and resolve any outstanding issues. He also conveyed that if the party’s intervention could help push the process forward, the BJP would be willing to look into it.
On Thursday, the All Jaintia Contractors and Suppliers Association and contractors from various parts of Khasi-Jaintia Hills had sharply criticised the government, saying the long delay in clearing around Rs 700 crore in JJM payments was unacceptable and had left many of them financially distressed.
BJP decries ‘harsh’ action on mobile vendors
Pohshna also raised concern over what he described as the government’s heavy-handed treatment of mobile street vendors operating around Khyndai Lad, while urging the authorities to adopt a more considerate approach.
He said the decision to shift hawkers to the MUDA complex had already disrupted livelihoods, but the handling of “flying sellers” was particularly troubling.
He conveyed that the authorities could have first spoken to the vendors, issued clear instructions and worked out a cooperative method rather than taking steps that vendors experienced as harassment.
Pohshna noted that mobile vending is the sole means of income for many, and any regulation should involve bringing the vendors to the table for discussion.
He maintained that compliance on issues like cleanliness could be achieved through guidance and dialogue instead of punitive action.
Pohshna added that he was unsure what prompted the Shillong Municipal Board to act in such a manner and felt that a different, more measured approach was possible.
According to him, if complaints had arisen from any section, the concerned minister or officials could have reached out to the vendors rather than confiscating their goods.
The BJP has also requested the government to review the incident and work out a solution that protects livelihoods while ensuring an approach acceptable to all sides.
