Meghalaya govt spent over Rs 22.56 cr on consultants

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Sept 22: The Meghalaya government has spent over Rs 22.56 crore for 124 consultants appointed for different departments.

Replying to a query raised by AITC Ampati MLA Miani D Shira in the Assembly, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that the total number of consultants currently appointed specifically for externally aided projects is 59.

He said the consultants are technical experts, who are brought into the system on a task basis. They are engaged mainly for the centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) and externally aided projects (EAPs).

In both categories, the consultants are mandated by the guidelines.

He said there are certain cases where the consultants are also empanelled and they can be used by the different departments.

Citing the Unity Mall project as an example, the Chief Minister said Rs 130 crore was sanctioned for Meghalaya.

“We are only 3 states in the country that have been able to do it within 6 months. This is because we are able to get expert advice,” he said adding “The government of India and EAPs have mandated the services of the consultants which are very highly technical.”

He said the cost for payment to the consultants has been incorporated within the project cost.

Further, the chief minister said local people are benefiting as they are engaged and trained by consultants.

Govt takes pre-emptive moves against newly formed UPFKL

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Sept 21: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today said the government has increased manpower along the inter-state border following the alleged formation of a new militant group called United People’s Front of Karbi Longri (UPFKL).

Replying to a call attention moved by UDP MLA from Mokaiaw Nujorki Sungoh, Sangma said though reports are coming in but there is no specific intel or specific complaints by any of the people that they have received extortion notes (served by the UPKFL)

“(However), based on newspaper clippings on the formation of the new militant outfit, we have increased our manpower in the border areas,” he said.

He said that a letter had also come to the government from the Jaintia Students Movement (JSM) on the matter based on which actions have been taken adding that the government, the police and the district administration are working tirelessly to ensure peace prevail in the border areas.

Sangma said that the concerns expressed by the members are very important. The history of Block I and II is aware that for administrative convenience the transfer of Block I and II was done. This is very much available with the Government of Meghalaya, the Government of Assam and the Government of India.

“Keeping all these in mind, we have started engaging with the Government of Assam and Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC). I will refrain to go into the discussion and how we are moving forward. For the first time never we have seen this kind of efforts taken by the Government of Assam and Government of Meghalaya (to resolve the issue of boundary dispute),” he said.

Informing that the two States will be meeting in the first or second week of October for another round of talks, the chief minister said, “There will be a special focus given to Khanduli, Psiar, Block I and Block II keeping in mind the slight tension prevailing out there.”

On Sungoh’s request for the construction of the road from the Khatkhasla and Mojem area, Sangma said, “I have spoken to the deputy chief minister who informed that the detailed project report (DPR) is in the preparation stage. So action has been taken. But if any portion of the road comes under the disputed areas, some complications could come up.”

With regard to the request for setting up of a primary health centre at Psiar and Moolber, Sangma said these are areas which fall under the areas of difference but the government will ensure that the people don’t suffer.

He said that even previous governments have also tried to focus on this matter to ensure development activities do not stop.

“We are trying to find out a solution in the long run to this and we are aware of the difficulties that are there in the area and many projects are being taken up,” Sangma said while assuring to examine all proposals given by the MLA.

“Regarding the new militant outfit, official complaints have not come to us in the form of FIRs. Intelligence reports have also not come to us and we are relying on newspaper clippings (about the arrest of two members of the militant group). But we don’t take anything lightly. We are taking things seriously to ensure protection required is given to our people,” the chief minister assured regarding the new outfit, officials’ complaints have not come to us in the form of FIR. intelligence reports have not come to us we are relying on the newspaper – two arrested – but we don’t take anything lightly we are taking things seriously to ensure the protection required is given to our people.

Earlier, Sungoh had alleged that the intention of the new militant group was to create fear among the Khasi-Pnar people living in teh disputed Block I on the border between West Jaintia Hills and West Karbi Anglong specifically in the Elaa Labang-Nongphyllut-Pangam Raliang area.

No violation of Meghalaya Transfer of Land Regulation Act: CM

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Sept 21: The resolution moved by the opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) legislator from Nongkrem Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit demanding a stop to the gross violation of the Meghalaya Transfer of Land Regulation Act, 1972 was defeated by a voice vote in the Assembly today.

“The Nos have it and the resolution is lost,” Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma said.

The resolution was put to vote after Basaiawmoit announced his decision not to withdraw the resolution citing dissatisfaction with the government’s reply.

Basaiawmoit said there is a violation of the Act, but the government is in a denial mode that people not covered under the Land Transfer Act are rampantly buying land in Ri Bhoi district.

“How can they purchase land when they are not residents of Meghalaya? What will the government do against such people and stop them from purchasing land in Ri Bhoi district?” he asked.

He also asked the government to issue a public notice on the definition of tribal.

In his supplementary reply, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said there has been no violation of the Land Transfer Act. “All cases (related to) non-tribal have been based on provisions of the Act,” he maintained.

Sangma further said that any individual can go to the Court if they have concerns that there is a violation of the Act.

“(Because) we have not seen any cases put forward and those cases where the court had given orders, the government has implemented those orders,” he added.

The chief minister also assured that the government will definitely examine the suggestions made by the members on how to strengthen the Land Transfer Act further.

Earlier while moving his resolution, Basaiawmoit had sought to know ‘what action has been taken against those people who are involved in the selling away of our land to the people who are not covered by the Land Transfer Act, especially the Syiem of Raid Myrwet who have voluntarily engaged in this illegal act. Moreover, what action will be taken against those Deputy Commissioner who are willingly registering these lands which are in direct contravention to the provision of the law’.

Earlier, Minister in-charge Revenue & Disaster Management Kyrmen Shylla in his reply said that it is clear that the government while processing any case of transfer, mutation, mortgage, will etc, proceeds as per the provisions laid down in the Meghalaya Transfer of Land Regulation Act 1971 (Act 1 of 1972) and the Meghalaya Transfer of Land Regulation Rules, 1974.

“As of now, no such matter of the gross violation of the Act has come to the notice of the Government,” he said while adding “I would like to impress that the intention of the government is very clear on the matter of transfer of land and that the Act and Rules are followed in letter and spirit, so as to protect the interest of the Scheduled Tribe of the State.”

CM ELEVATE program a game changer for the youth

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Sept 21: A momentous day in Meghalaya’s history unfolded as the Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad K Sangma, officially inaugurated the much-anticipated CM-Elevate program at the Vivanta, Shillong.

This transformative initiative sets the stage for empowerment, entrepreneurship, and economic development in the state, promising a brighter future for Meghalaya’s youth.

Addressing the occasion, Conrad Sangma said the government aimed at engaging, employing, and empowering the youth of Meghalaya through entrepreneurship, which he believed serves as a holistic solution for fulfilling business needs.

He said, “We aim to create entrepreneurship opportunities for over 20,000 individuals across various sectors over the next three years. This initiative comes with a substantial investment of approximately 300 crores.”

Speaking about the partnerships that the Government has established with both public and private sector banks to facilitate easy access to credit for aspiring entrepreneurs, the Chief Minister stated that financial support ranging from 35 to 75 per cent of the project cost to mitigate credit risks can be offered.

He said, “To minimize risks and barriers, we extend upfront financial aid to entrepreneurs and have collaborated with banks for financing. The program offers term loans covering up to 95% of the project cost, with varying loan terms (ranging from 5 to 15 years) and moratorium periods (between 3 to 18 months), coupled with variable interest rates across different schemes. We have created three lakh jobs in the private sector in the last five years, and I am sure the number will increase in the coming years. I have always held the belief that the government’s role should be limited to formulating policies, fostering a conducive ecosystem, and providing essential facilities to support entrepreneurs. This is just the beginning, and as we progress, we will refine and adapt our approach, allocating additional funds as necessary.”

In his speech, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh said, “The CM-ELEVATE Programme underscores our government’s unwavering commitment to the betterment of our youth and the future of Meghalaya. We anticipate around 700 direct employment opportunities and numerous indirect job opportunities, benefiting the youth of Meghalaya. We expect more than 2000 direct and indirect job opportunities through these three schemes of the Tourism Department.”

The Minister also highlighted four noteworthy schemes under the Tourism Department, namely, Green Villa Scheme, Homestay Scheme, Motorhome Meghalaya Scheme, and Prime Tourism Vehicle Scheme.

Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Ampareen Lyngdoh while delivering her speech highlighted the program’s importance in the context of agriculture and said, “The CM – ELEVATE program represents another significant step in strengthening Agri-infrastructure in the State. By offering 50 per cent financial aid for the establishment of polyhouses, the program promotes the cultivation of high-value vegetables and floriculture crops. In its initial phase, the program aims to subsidize the setup of 1,000 poly houses, fostering agricultural development in Meghalaya.”

Dr Vijay Kumar D, IAS said, “It creates an ecosystem for the development of entrepreneurship. The highlights of the program include the introduction of 15 different schemes. Our goal is to support up to 20,000 businesses in the next five years. With as little as 4,000 rupees in capital, people can start a business, and the government provides subsidies ranging from 35% to 75% to support these endeavours.”

The CM-ELEVATE PROGRAM is a comprehensive solution tailored to the diverse business needs of Meghalaya’s citizens. Notably, the program features a user-friendly single-window portal for applications, ensuring a seamless experience for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Govt examining entire job recruitment process

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Sept 20: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today said the government is examining the entire job recruitment process to come up with a comprehensive policy to bring reforms in the system.

“We are examining the entire recruitment process. Hence, we have come to a conclusion that if we are to bring reforms, let us do it once and for all and let us look into all aspects and come up with a comprehensive policy and plan,” Sangma said while replying in the Assembly.

This was after UDP legislator from Mokaiaw Nujorki Sungoh has requested the government to examine the need to do away with personal interviews in order to ensure transparency in the recruitment process.

He cited that the Centre had already abolished the personal interview since 2016 following which 23 States and 8 Union Territories have accordingly implemented this decision.

“Therefore, I request the chief minister to kindly examine this matter and make sure our State also abolish the personal interview to ensure there is no favouritism and nepotism (in the job recruitment process),” Sungoh asserted.

To this, Sangma said the former chief minister in 2017 had written to the Government of India informing that the State government would not do away with the personal interview.

“However, we are examining the matter. There are pros and cons to this aspect. That is why the government is examining all aspects to make sure whatever decision taken is for overall interest and is going to ensure the overall processes is smoothen and give better opportunities to the youth of the State,” he added.

Sangma further informed that the former chief minister in his letter in 2017 had pointed out the present of different qualified persons (applying for different posts) and hence an interview will allow the selection committee to understand the quality and differentiate between individuals and see who will be better for a particular job.

“All these factors as I said we need to look into it. It is not a small decision, it is a decision that will affect the youth, we need to be careful, we need to do a lot of analysis and examination and we cannot have a simple approach or a piecemeal basis,” he said.

The Chief Minister reiterated the need for a comprehensive policy to bring major reforms in the job recruitment process in the state.

Govt still waiting for Centre on ILP

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Sep 20: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today said the State government is still waiting for the response from the Centre on the resolution adopted by the Assembly for implementation of the inner line permit (ILP) in Meghalaya.

“The State government has been consistently following it up with the union home ministry on the issue of ILP and the State is waiting for the response from the Government of India on the matter,” Sangma told the Assembly.

Replying to a zero-hour notice, Sangma informed that a State delegation led by him had also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on August 8, urging his intervention into the various issues concerning the State which include implementation of the ILP.

He said that the State government had also submitted a memorandum on the matter to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his visit to the State in 2021.

Sangma said that the demand for ILP grew louder in Meghalaya after the passing of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) by the Centre.

In view of this, the State Assembly had adopted the official resolution for the implementation of ILP in 2019. The resolution was sent to the MHA on December 23, 2019 followed by a reminder on November 17, 2020.

2nd round of border talks in October: CM

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Sept 20: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today informed that the border talks with Assam for resolving the remaining six areas of difference will take place in the first week or second week of October.

Replying to a zero-hour notice moved by VPP MLA from Nongkrem Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit in the Assembly, Sangma said the Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was recently in Shillong for a function and held a closed-door discussion with him regarding the border issue.

“We had decided a few things in that meeting and we will formally take those decisions forward in the next official meeting to be held sometime in the first or second week of October,” he said.

Sangma said after the meeting that the chief ministers of the two states would also visit Khanduli and other areas to send the message of peace.

“I and the Assam chief minister intend to visit Khanduli and other areas and the exact locations, we are yet to finalise. We will have a meeting in that area to meet the concerned stakeholders and ensure we send a message of peace.”

He said that the meeting held in Shillong was very productive and both states are looking forward to implementing the important decisions taken in the upcoming meeting to be held in October.

Earlier, Basaiawmoit condemned the statement of the Karbi Students Association (KSA) that a Manipur-like situation may occur if they lose their land and said, “The statement made by the leader of KSA is sufficient enough to create disharmony in the border areas.”

He also wanted to know whether the state government has taken this matter with its counterpart in order to ensure the maintenance of harmony in the border area.

To this, the Chief Minister said while the regional committee meeting was still in progress on August 16, the Karbi Students Association (KSA) came to the venue and met the regional committee members after the meeting concluded.

Thereafter, the president of KSA appeared before the media and it was during the said briefing that the president stated that “a Manipur-like situation may occur if we lose our lands, warn KSA”.

He however said, “This matter was not entertained by the Assam Minister, Piyush Hazarika who rebuked the person stating that such a statement should not be made to aggravate the situation. The minister mentioned that the aim of the committee is to bring peace and harmony between the two communities and to find out the best possible solution to resolve the border issues.”

He informed that earlier on August 30, 2023, the Jaintia Students’ Movement and KSA held a meeting in Diphu, East Karbi Anglong District, Assam in which they discussed the parameters to bring peace and normalcy along the Assam-Meghalaya border.

During the meeting, the Students Committee for Peace Initiative was formed and the committee will work on how to bring back life to normal on the interstate border and ease the communal tension.

They had also decided that representatives of the two NGOs would visit the border villages along with village elders. Further, it was decided that a similar meeting will be convened in Jowai in the coming days.

The main purpose of the meeting is to find ways and means to end the turmoil in the border areas.

Stating that as of date, the situation in the area is under close watch, the chief minister assured that all efforts are being put into ensuring that law and order in the area will not be breached adding that the district police are on high alert and regular patrolling is being conducted in and around the area.

The police are also regularly meeting the village elders and the general public, appealing to them to maintain peace and tranquillity in the area.

He informed that sufficient force has been deployed in Khanduli, Lapngap, Saitsama Outpost and Nartiang police station to deal with the law and order situation in the area.

“Apart from these efforts, there is also constant communication and coordination with the counterparts of Assam to maintain law and order in the area and most importantly to ensure that normalcy in the area is not disrupted,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sangma informed the House that the government of the day is working tirelessly towards ensuring that peace and harmony prevail along the inter-state border, and the issue of border conflicts are resolved permanently.

He said one of the endeavours of the government of the day is the sanctioning of 7 border outposts which are the Rani-Jirang BOP in Ri Bhoi, Langpih BOP and Umwali BOP in West Khasi Hills, Mooriap BOP in East Jaintia Hills, Tihwieh BOP and Mukroh BOP in West Jaintia Hills.

The creation of these BOPs has greatly contributed towards the prevention of border conflicts and most importantly, has augmented the strength of police officials in the field.

Further, Sangma said that “the initiative of the government of the day to resolve the border disputes in six areas of difference during the first phase of border settlement and the ongoing second phase of border settlement between the two states, is a testament to the fact that the government of the day is committed to ensuring peace and tranquillity prevails in the border areas and that border disputes are resolved permanently”.

MRSSA 2016 operational in original form

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Sept 20: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today said the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) 2016 is operational in its original form.

In his reply to a starred question tabled in the Assembly here, Sangma said that the measures taken by the government to implement the Act include the constitution of the district task force in all districts and the launching of web portal https//megrssa.nic.in/ to allow landlords to furnish information on the tenants as per the provisions of the MRSSA, 2016.

He informed the selection of seven localities on pilot basis under the Shillong urban area viz Nongrim Hills, Pohkseh, Nongrah, Nongmensong, Lapalang, Riat Laban and Wahdienglieng for implementation in the first phase.

He added that training and capacity building of headmen and their support staff on how to make entries in the web portal has been conducted by the deputy commissioner, East Khasi Hills.

I have done my job alerting CM: Mukul

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Sept 20: Opposition AITC leader and former chief minister Mukul Sangma today said he has done his job by alerting the chief minister Conrad K Sangma with regards to the drug kingpin from Mizoram. According to him, it is now up to the chief minister to take cognizance of the matter.

This came after Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma had expunged Mukul’s statement alleging Conrad of having a close association with a drug kingpin from Mizoram. Mukul had on Tuesday presented a photograph of Conrad, his wife and Henry Lalremsanga, who was arrested on April 23, 2013, in connection with the seizure of Rs six crore worth of banned pseudoephedrine tablets.

Speaking to reporters, Mukul claimed that in fact, he had been quite helpful in alerting the chief minister by giving him this kind of information (about  Henry), lest he might have not seen that news (published in 2013).

“Why should it be considered offensive? I’m sure everybody who knows the gentleman also will agree with me that I have come to know yesterday after I shared this vital Information in the August House that the person concerned whose picture I have shared is somebody who frequents the state,” he said while adding “Therefore, my job is done now. It is his (Conrad) job to utilize his wisdom and judgment.”

The former chief minister however expressed surprise to see how the government was navigating the whole narrative and defensive they have suddenly become accusing him instead of pointing a finger at the chief minister.

“I never said he (Conrad) he has a nexus but I have definitely say that the person concerned who have the privilege of sharing in that sitting arrangement in one of the very important program at the national capital is reflective of his mutual association with the person concerned,” he said adding “I am also told that yes this association is part and parcel, so therefore I am again in the House today I have said, yes my job is to caution you, I think now it’s the people who should tell him in addition to what I have said.”

He further added, “In yesterday’s proceedings, I have cautioned and I have advised the CM to see that he disassociate (with Henry) so that is my advice and I have also said, I’m sure you won’t get offended because I am suggesting that the chief minister should be disassociate his association since in view of what was carried by the national media. I feel that he should.”

On CM asking him to do research on the status of the case against Henry, Mukul however said, “That is my prerogative and it is also his (CM) responsibility to find out. He should rather go after the man and find out what exactly has happened to the case and is he still in any way directly or indirectly associating with other friends because it is not only one person along with that person there’s other persons from Delhi, whether they are still in those kinds of activity or not. It is up to the CM, he has all the ways and means to find out, he can just write to the government of India to the concerned authorities and find out.”

“I have said to put a scanner in view of what is happening. How do you interpret it? This interpretation is simple: any layman will understand what Dr. Mukul Sangma has suggested,” he stated.

Speaker expunges Mukul’s statement

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Sept 20: Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma today expunged the statement made by opposition AITC leader and former chief minister Mukul Sangma alleging the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma of having a close association with a ‘drug kingpin’ from Mizoram from the proceedings of the House as they are in violative of the rules.

Referring to the relevant rules, Thomas said, “Therefore, I in exercise of the rules expunge the statement made by Mukul Sangma from the proceedings (of the House) as they are in violative of the rules.”

“Therefore, the speech made by Mukul Sangma on the matter against the chief minister will not be part of the proceedings and I hereby expunge it from the proceedings of the House on September 19,” he added.

Reminding that the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly is known in the entire country as a very disciplined House, the Speaker said, “So let us not engage in calling names and making allegations without substantiated evidence.”

The ruling of the Speaker came after deputy chief minister-in-charge of parliamentary affairs Prestone Tynsong requested that Mukul’s statement be expunged.

Tynsong requested the member from Songsak to refrain from such kind of reference based on a ‘photograph’.

Defending the intent of his submission made during a discussion on a motion yesterday, Mukul said that the deputy chief minister has misinterpreted the basic intend of the submission.

“The person concerned whose name was reflected in the national media was an alleged accused and not convicted. I have not made an allegation of any substantive crime having  been committed by referring to what was reflected in the photograph. I have made my submission saying that we got to be careful, we got to be cautious as to whom we associate while we occupying the office of position, an office which is constitutionally empowered,” he said.

“I have also made a submission I would suggest the CM to disassociate himself from being associated with this kind of person whose antecedent I am not aware of, it is up to the CM to put them on scanner, that is what I have said. Now why is govt of the day so desperate and sweating it out to defend it?” Mukul asked.

He further said that the photograph is an official photograph in the social media page of the organizer and a sitting arrangement officially made in the front row and it is not by default that somebody had taken a selfie adding he had raised the issue because of unprecedented availability of drugs in the state really concerns him.

The former chief minister also claimed that everybody in the House particularly the minister know this person frequents the secretariat and residence of the chief minister.

“The person is associated with the CM and it is my duty to alert my CM because he is holding the responsibility,” he said while maintaining that he has not accused the CM and that his statement does not require to be expunged from the proceedings of the House.

He also assured to follow the proper procedure to ensure a decision is taken on the matter.

Expressing concern that his name was dragged into unnecessary arguments, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma asked the AITC leader to bring out the facts of the case.

“Let the member (Mukul) bring out the fact of the case, when this case happened, what is the status of this case right now,” he said.

“Our point is if you are going to connect two dots wherever you wish and suits you and draw a picture of that and then bring it in the House then just misguide everybody that is what we are trying to say,” he added.

“Does he even know that what this case is all about? Does he even know the case is already over? Does he even know that the court had given a complete judgment of this case and says the concerned persons are free. Let him do a research on this and let him find out,” Conrad said.