Construction of the Dawki-Amlarem-Jowai road : JAC alleges irregularities, threatens to move court

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Nov 5: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising of traditional headmen of War Jaintia Hills and Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) on Saturday threatened to file a petition before the Meghalaya High Court against the alleged corruption in the construction of the Dawki-Amlarem-Jowai (NH 40E) (New NH 206) sanctioned by the Centre at Rs 43 crore.

The JAC also demanded the State government to “blacklist” the Dhar Construction Company in view of the dilapidated condition of the road within just two months of its completion.

The road was sanctioned by the Ministry of Roads Transport and Highways at Rs 43 crore. The work was allotted to the Dhar Construction Company on September 9, 2022 with a target that the road should be completed within 12 months.

“Despite the proposal by the PWD department was for strengthening the road, residents of the area are shocked and surprised that the road now is in a dilapidated condition just within two months of its completion,” JAC chairman and HYC leader Yoodahunki Shylla told reporters.

He said the JAC condemned the PWD for its failure to ensure proper implementation of the project which only led to misuse and wastage of public funds.

“Therefore, we have decided to move the Meghalaya High Court to ensure contractors do not attempt to make business out of developmental projects just for their personal gains,” Shylla said.

Demanding the Chief Engineer of PWD to issue clarification on the matter within a week’s time, he said, “This is because as per the PWD’s proposal, the road will be strengthened making it fit for use by heavy commercial vehicles but sadly, implementation on the ground says otherwise.”

“We will go ahead with our decision to file a PIL against poor implementation of the project but the PWD CE should clarify because he was the one who proposed details of the road. It cannot be that the proposal will end only on paper?” he said even as he maintained that the PIL will be against the PWD and the contractor.

To a query, Shylla alleged that corruption is there since the manner in which the bills were released to the contractors says that there is something behind.

The JAC leader further demanded that the Dhar Construction Company should be blacklisted.

“The state government should blacklist such companies. We expect the project to benefit the people of the area, which has contributed a lot to the revenue of the state government. We also have a landport but with such road conditions it will surely affect the economic interest of the people of the area,” he stated.

AIM against gambling in melas

The Awakening Indian Movement (AIM) has sought the intervention of the deputy commissioner of East Khasi Hills district to ensure a blanket ban on gambling at melas being organized by different agencies.

Speaking to media persons, chairman of AIM Bansharai Marbaniang said that many people from other part of the country come to Meghalaya to host various kinds of melas, however these melas have games that encourage gambling with money which is detrimental and have a negative impact on the welfare of the people.

Marbaniang alleged that melas throughout the country are being held in order to provide entertainment to all citizens where they can experience happiness especially for children, students, and youth but at present melas in Meghalaya are being held with gambling which have detrimental and a negative impact on the welfare of the people.

“During our visit to the mela held at the Parking Lot outside Polo Ground in Shillong, the mela hosted various gambling activities with money and young people and students in uniform participated in various gambling games” said Marbaniang.

Marbaniang said that AIM is not against organizing melas in the state, however it stands against the act of gambling that is being held at the venues hence the AIM sought the intervention into this matter.

Govt examining proposal to adopt CBSE syllabus

Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma has informed that the government is examining the proposal to adopt the Central Board of School Education (CBSE) syllabus in the state.

“We are now examining the proposal to adopt the CBSE curriculum in order to improve the confidence and standards of our students in the state,” Sangma told reporters today.

“It may not be whole but certain sections and step by step we are exploring on how to bring the best education environment for the students,” he added.

The minister further asserted that the whole idea is to ensure the confidence and standard of the students of the state will be at par with the rest of the country.