Meghalaya DGP’s intervention sought against ‘illegal coal transportation’ in Garo Hills region
Staff Reporter
Shillong, Jan 5: BJP MDC from Tura Bernard N Marak today sought the intervention of the Director General of Police (DGP) LR Bishnoi against the alleged illegal transportation of coal in the South Garo Hills district.
An FIR in this regard was also filed with the Nongalbibra police station.
In a letter to the DGP, Marak said, “The reason for inaction by the police raised doubts so I am forwarding my complaint with a copy of the FIR submitted to Nongalbibra police station which has the coordinates of the depos for your reference. Therefore, kindly take immediate action and stop all illegal coal-related activities and honour the Court order.”
He said the complaint is to bring to notice the seriousness of the illegal transportation of coal which is happening openly in huge quantities in the state.
“Overloaded coal trucks without proper documents are plying freely at night by merely paying the entry fee approximately amounting to Rs 1,25,000/- per truck which is not recorded by the Government and without paying royalty tax to the Autonomous District Council (ADCs) and not following the directions of the honourable Supreme Court is a gross violation of the Honorable Supreme Court order dated 03.07.2019 and unjustified exploitation of the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India as all districts in Meghalaya falls under the Hill provisions,” Marak alleged.
“Hundreds of trucks are illegally lifting the coal from Era Aning and Jadigittim and illegal dumpings are taking place openly at the same places which grossly violates the Supreme Court order of 03.07.2019,” he said.
Further, the BJP leader demanded an investigation into the matter and said, FIR copy which is attached here should be investigated as coal was loaded from the mentioned depo at Era Aning and Jadigittim under Nongalbibra Police Station, South Garo Hills, Meghalaya.”
KHADC moots pensions for former members
Staff Reporter
Shillong, Nov 21: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC)is considering payment of pensions to its former members.
This was informed before the Meghalaya High Court today during a hearing of a petition filed by 22 former MDCs.
The order passed by the Court said VGK Kynta, Sr counsel assisted by H Wanshong, counsel for the respondents, has again today made similar submissions with regard to the prayers of the writ petitioners, and submits that the matter is still under consideration and the placement of funds would be done as soon as funds are received.
BF Kharwanlang, counsel on behalf of the petitioners has raised strong objections and prays that positive directions be passed that within a stipulated time frame the respondents comply and afford the pension to the Ex -MDCs.
The court said the submissions of the counsels are noted. “It is a fact that repeated opportunities have been granted to the respondents to come up with positive indications with regard to the settlement of pensions of the Ex-MDCs. However, in the interest of justice, list this matter on 13 -12 -2023 for further orders,” it said.
Delimitation committee formed in KHADC
Staff Reporter
Shillong, Oct 26: Deputy Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) P.N Syiem today informed that a Delimitation Committee has been formed by the Executive Committee (EC) to examine on the demand to reorganize the boundary of some constituencies.
Speaking to media persons, Syiem said that the Delimitation Committee will include Chairman Dr. S. Kharsyiemlich, Rtd. Judge, District Council Court along with three members which include Dr. S.L Marbaniang, Ex MLA, R. Myrboh, Rtd. School Teacher, Dr. D.R.L Nonglait, Prof. Dept of Khasi, NEHU and Secretary M. Kharkrang, Rtd. Secretary of KHADC.
Syiem said that the decision to form the Delimitation Committee is after the district council had received over 15 written applications from villages who had requested the council to shift or re-arrange their villages to other constituencies vis a vis.
On the criteria for re-organization of various villages, Syiem said that it will be based on the population and geography of such villages but the final criteria will be framed by the committee.