JOWAI, June 26: The Central Executive Committee of the Jaintia National Council (JNC) on Friday called on Khliehriat MLA Kyrmen Shylla to demand transparency in the utilisation of the Meghalaya Environment Protection and Restoration Fund (MEPRF) and immediate financial assistance for families hit by the 2014 coal mining ban.
The MEPRF was established following the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban. Under its guidelines, 10 per cent of the revenue generated from coal transportation challans must be allocated for the rehabilitation of mining-damaged areas and to support affected families.
The JNC, led by its president Sambormi Lyngdoh, stated that information obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act revealed a significant lack of transparency.
When the JNC questioned the Mining and Geology department about the number of beneficiaries and specific rehabilitation measures undertaken, the official response reportedly stated that such data was “not available”.
In a memorandum submitted to Shylla, who serves as the Adviser to the Mining and Geology department, the JNC urged the state government to direct the district-level committee to conduct a comprehensive survey of affected families. The JNC claimed that more than Rs 400 crore is currently available in the fund.
Lyngdoh pointed out that while the economic decline in East Jaintia Hills is well-documented, the funds intended for relief are not reaching the public.
“If substantial funds are available under the MEPRF, they should reach the beneficiaries they were meant to serve. While the fund is also intended for environmental restoration, there must be accountability in its usage. We are determined to find out how these funds have been used,” he said.
The JNC noted that the chief secretary had recently acknowledged the fund’s purpose during a meeting with coal mining associations.
Meanwhile, Shylla, responding to the concerns, assured the delegation that the matter would be taken up with the Minister in charge of Mining and Geology for necessary action.
The JNC reiterated that it would continue to pressure the government to ensure the MEPRF is utilised according to its original objectives.
