Corruption alleged over JJM implementation in West Garo Hills by former GHADC member

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Jan 4: Former GHADC member from Balachanda Sofior Rahman has demanded an independent inquiry into the alleged corruption in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in West Garo Hills District.

Submitting a letter of complaint to the Secretary of the Central Vigilance Committee (CVC) Government of India, Rahman said, “I would like to request you to please kindly send an independent inquiry team or vigilance team from your end to inquire the schemes or vigil the schemes of JJM and please kindly take immediate course of action to the Chief Engineer, PHED, Meghalaya, to the TPIA, NEDfi, Guwahati and to the M/s BAC INFRATECH PRIVATE LTD, Tura for the aforesaid corruption and scams.”

He alleged that there are large number of corruptions and scams in the JJM implementation in West Garo Hills district and said that the PHE department has shown expenditure without implementing the JJM schemes in plainbelt areas of West Garo Hills district.

The former MDC alleged that the work for augmentation of Nekikona combined water supply scheme “Id 8394205” is yet to be implemented but the estimated amount has already been drawn by the contractors/firms/companies.

The scheme was sanctioned in 2021-22 and the target for completion was December 31, 2023. The total cost is Rs 6036.03 lakhs while the total expenditure is reported at Rs 5148.71 lakhs.

He however said that the progress of work is only 20% in the ground. “Not a single functional house tap connection (FHTC) provided to the villages and beneficiaries under this scheme/project,” Rahman said while adding “In papers or in the Jal Jeevan Mission-IMIS, the Functional house tap connection (FHTC) already provided to the beneficiaries or villagers. The Office or Company or Firms or individual contractors already drawn the expenditure amount reported: 5148.71 (in lakhs) from the total Scheme cost of 6036.03 (in lakhs) as per PHED official report.”

The work for implementation of the augmentation of Nekikona combined WSS was allotted to the firm  “M/S BAC INFRATECH PRIVATE LTD” and the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited (NEDFi), Guwahati has been appointed as the Third Party Inspection Agency (TPIA).

He further alleged in the complaint that the chief engineer of PHE along with the firm and TPIA are indulging in corruption while implementing the JJM schemes.

“I am giving here some evidence as Annexure-I and you can check the IMIS of JJM of Govt of India, do the spot enquiry of the projects then surely you will get the huge evidence of corruption. Sir, the work order of the scheme id 8394205 “Augmentation of Nekikiona Combined WSS issued from the PHED, Meghalaya on 23/12/2021 but the PHED, Meghalaya and Third Party Inspection Agency, NEDFi was given approval for payment to the Firm M/S BAC INFRATECH PRIVATE LTD in the month of February 2022 Rs.460.00 (in lakhs), March 2022 Rs.2, 920.16 (in lakhs), June 2023 Rs.1, 327.00 (in lakhs) again September 2023 Rs.440.00 (in lakhs).

In total payment or bills given to in favour of the above mentioned Firm & Scheme total Rs.5,148.71 (in lakhs) that is ( Fifty one crores forty eight lakhs and seventy one thousand) out of total estimated cost Rs.6036.03 (in lakhs) that is ( sixty crores thirty six lakhs and three thousand only). Therefore Sir, it’s a huge corruption and scams as per my knowledge,” Rahman said.

He further questioned, “How they was drawn the amount Rs.5148.71 (in lakhs)( Fifty one crores fourty eight lakhs and seventy one thousands) out of estimated cost Rs 6036.03 (in lakhs) without started the Scheme work of Augmentation of Nekikona combined WSS & how is it possible to draw or given the payment within a month or two of issued the work order from the PHED? How the Chief Engineer, PHED, Meghalaya allow giving the payment to above mentioned Firm, How the TPIA verified to given the payments or bills to the Firm without Started the works in the ground?”

“Now the PHED, TPIA, and M/S BAC INFRATECH PRIVATE LIMITED (are_ trying to surfaces the corruptions by the help of NGOs, Officials and some politicians of the Meghalaya,” he alleged.

2023 a success for BSF in Meghalaya

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Jan 4: BSF Meghalaya Frontier oversees a challenging 444 km stretch of the International Border with Bangladesh, grappling with tough terrain, unfenced patches, elephant corridors and heavy rainfall. Despite these obstacles, the BSF has made overcoming challenges a habit and routine, ensuring the safety and tranquillity of the border.

In the year 2023, the BSF Meghalaya Frontier demonstrated exceptional vigilance and efficiency. The force successfully seized smuggled goods worth more than 49.20 Crores INR, including Cattle, Sugar, Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN), narcotics and various miscellaneous items. Furthermore, 180 miscreants were apprehended, comprising 113 Indians, 67 Bangladeshis and 02 Rohingya who violated the sanctity of the International Border.

Beyond the border duties, the BSF Meghalaya actively engaged in ‘Civic Action Programmes’ to foster mutual trust and strengthen relations with the local communities. In 2023, troops under BSF Meghalaya organized 45 such programmes, including 24 medical camps, providing free medical checkups, medicines, and various essential items to the needy bordering people.

To showcase the spirit of cooperation and sportsmanship, the Meghalaya FTR HQ BSF hosted the BSF Inter Frontier Judo, Gymnastics, and Taekwondo Championship at NEHU, Shillong. In reverence to the martyrs of the motherland, the ‘Meri Mati Mera Desh’ campaign was organized across the Indo-Bangladesh Border in collaboration with the civil administration of Meghalaya state. The BSF actively participated in community service, organizing blood donation camps, providing emergency medical assistance and rescue operations in various incidents.

BSF Meghalaya is committed to safeguarding the Indo-Bangladesh border and maintaining the sanctity and tranquillity of the international border.

Meghalaya submits claims over 61 villages in Langpih sector

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Jan 4: Meghalaya has submitted its claims over 61 villages under the Langpih sector, which is among the six remaining unresolved areas of difference with Assam.

The regional committees constituted by Meghalaya and Assam will soon submit their respective final report after a joint visit to villages under the Langpih sector in West Khasi Hills District.

Chairman of the Regional Committee for West Khasi Hills Paul Lyngdoh said, “During our meetings, we have submitted a list of 61 villages and these are being studied by the government of Assam.”

“We have had detailed discussions even on those villages and the discussions have gone on a very positive note,” he added.

He said that the 61 villages are mostly inhabited by Khasi and Garo populations while some are with mixed populations and a couple of villages with Nepali residents.

Lyngdoh, who is also cabinet minister, said the joint field visit with Assam counterpart was supposed to happen in the month of November. He informed that he had spoken to the chairman in charge of the Kamrup district sector Chandra Mohan Patowary, who had expressed his inability to attend the joint visit and requested for time, which is why matters are still pending now.

“But I am pursuing the matter with him (Patowary). This is a bilateral matter and Meghalaya cannot act unilaterally, I mean we cannot submit a report without Assam counterpart visiting the sites along with us but it will happen,” he said while adding “I assure you that as soon as we get the final word from Patowary, we will organize maybe a couple of days of visits to the areas of dispute and then submit our final reports because already preparatory meetings have been held, detailed discussions have taken place both in Guwahati and Shillong and what is left is just the field visits which will take a couple of days and then we submit the final report.”

Lyngdoh said the committee will also seek an extension of time for submission of the final report after the government has recently fixed December 31, 2023, as the deadline.

Further, the chairman of the regional committee said that the field visit is just to instill that sense of confidence in the disputed areas so that people will have confidence that the two governments are working in tandem to resolve all differences so that they live with a sense of security in those villages.

BSF seizes 10000 kgs of sugar meant for smuggling

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Jan 4: BSF seized more than 10,000 kgs of sugar on January 3 which was meant for smuggling to Bangladesh through different bordering districts of Meghalaya

Vigilant troops from the 172 Bn of BSF Meghalaya successfully intercepted a vehicle near the Sonapur bordering area. The intercepted vehicle was found to be loaded with a substantial quantity of sugar, intended for smuggling into Bangladesh from the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya.

The driver of the seized vehicle was apprehended, as he failed to provide valid documents for the consignment of sugar. Both the apprehended individual and the seized items were handed over to the police station Umkiang for further legal action.

In another operation, acting on specific info, BSF troops of 193 Bn identified three suspicious vehicles approaching the bordering area under East Khasi district. The intercepted vehicle was loaded with the consignments of Sugar with four occupants. Upon questioning, the occupants provided unsatisfactory responses and failed to produce valid documents pertaining to the consignment of Sugar. All apprehended individuals, along with the seized items, were handed over to the Police Station Danger for further legal action.

No feelers from Mukul Sangma to join BJP, says Party Vice President

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Jan 4: BJP national vice president and Meghalaya Incharge Dr M Chuba Ao today said no feelers have come from the former chief minister Mukul Sangma for joining the party’s fold.

Speaking to reporters, Dr Ao said, “No feeler has come (from Mukul Sangma). That might be the kind of people talking in the air”.

He said the BJP leadership has not approached Mukul Sangma to join the party.

“No such thing because it is up to him if he likes he can join, if he doesn’t like what to do that is upto him, not the BJP,” the Meghalaya Incharge asserted.

The former chief minister had left the Congress along with 11 other legislators and merged with the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC). However, the AITC could win only five seats in the 2023 Assembly polls.

Meghalaya BJP urges HNLC not to ditch peace talks

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Jan 4: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today appealed to the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) to reconsider its decision to withdraw from the tripartite peace talks with the Centre and State government for lasting peace to prevail in the state of Meghalaya.

Addressing the media, BJP national vice president and Meghalaya in charge Dr Chuba Ao said, “We appeal to our militant organization to come forward and join the mainstream and attain peace.”

Party state president Rikman G Momin said, “We need peace so we will request HNLC to come forward to have peace talks with the State or Central government directly.”

He however refused to comment on whether amnesty should be given to the leaders and cadres of the banned Khasi outfit.

Chief spokesperson and former IPS officer M Kharkrang said the party is surprised at the HNLC’s sudden decision to withdraw itself from the peace talks with the government. According to him, it is not possible for the government at one stroke of a pen to drop all cases against the leaders and cadres of the outfit.

“If you have seen the statement the main agenda of the HNLC is to drop all cases against the leaders and cadres of the outfit. I feel they should have waited as it is not easy for the government to just drop these cases especially if cases have been charge-sheeted and are being tried in the courts as once cases are being charge-sheeted, it totally depends on the court. To say that the government at one stroke of a pen to drop all cases is not possible,” he said.

“At the same time, we also have to think about those victims of such cases, they may be your families or relatives, now if the government just to appease one side, drops all cases, what justice will you give to the victims of criminal cases,” he added.

Kharkhrang said it was a hasty decision on the part of the HNLC to withdraw from the peace talks adding “They should have given the peace talks a chance.”

The former IPS officer said, “We are appealing to the HNLC to continue with the peace process and in a given situation, it is a give and take, you cannot make demands and expect all the demands to be met by the government. You have to look at the larger picture, not that just because one issue has not been settled it doesn’t mean you pull yourself out of the peace talks.”

On the HNLC’s apprehension that its top leaders will get arrested once they come overground, Kharkrang however said that the outfit has to believe the government because a safe passage is a safe passage

“If the government has agreed to give them a safe passage, you see the government doesn’t work like that, once they have given in writing that they are giving them a safe passage it is a safe passage so I don’t think so there is any trust deficit in that, the government cannot fool people like that so they have to believe the government,” he said.

Referring to the recent death threat issued by HNLC to Sohra legislator Gavin M Mylliem over the downfall of the MCCL, Kharkrang said, “Personally, I would say that it was uncalled for. You cannot for the ills which have taken place on the company for the last 30-40 years, now you cannot put the blame solely on the sitting MLA. I think it was uncalled for.”

Meghalaya BJP targeting 400 seats in LS polls

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Jan 4: BJP national vice president and Meghalaya Incharge Dr M Chuba Ao today said the party’s target is to get 400 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

After chairing a meeting to review the election preparation of the party in Meghalaya, Ao said, “Our target is to get 400 seats this time. Therefore, we will have to go everywhere where we did not get (last time), we will try our level best to reach them.”

Stating that the party’s progress report is very encouraging, he said, “We believe we will achieve it and it is our mission today.”

Ao said there are some weak seats and some seats are regional centric but the party will try to improve (its performance in such seats).

“Last two elections we have seen it was not so much fruitful but this time we are going to do in such a way that people will understand what is going on at the national level, how they give us facilities and all these things so we will reach to the grassroot level this time,” he added.

The BJP leader said that the party will fight the LS polls on its own adding “We are not going to compromise with any other political parties. We will build up our strength, why should we give a chance to others. Therefore, we have decided to fight on our own. There will be no seat sharing basis.”

Ao said that the BJP is quite strong in both Shillong and Tura parliament seats in Meghalaya.

“Actually both are strong seats, only we could not channelize. We are also taking the responsibility that we could not reach the grassroots level,” he said.

Whether the party has decided on the candidates for the two seats, the Meghalaya charge said, “We will work first and after that, this matter will be discussed with the state team and it will go to the national team then we will sit together with the prime minister and home minister together then we will allot the ticket.”

He said that many people have approached the party for tickets but one has to be acceptable by the people.  

On the party to field its Pynthorumkhrah legislator and cabinet minister AL Hek from Shillong constituency, Ao said, “I have seen in the media but I have not interacted with him so what is his opinion as we have to take the opinion and consideration of all the candidates as we cannot simply write in the paper, we need to interact one to one.”

He however maintained that the party will select candidates from among the members of the party.

“Women reservation is our agenda. We will see because the name is a reservation for women candidates but if women are not accepted by their own constituency the problem will come because we are fighting to win that is why we have to select for the best,” he added.

Govt to spend Rs 23 Cr on Meghalaya Games

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Dec 14: The state government will be spending over Rs 23 crore for the Meghalaya Games to be held at Tura, West Garo Hills District from January 15 to 20.

Over 3,000 athletes will be competing in 22 disciplines. Traditional or indigenous games will also be organized as part of promoting the rich culture and tradition of the three tribes (Khasi, Jaintia & Garo) of Meghalaya through sports.

Addressing the media today, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Shakliar Warjri said the preparation for the Meghalaya is going on in full swing.

“Everything is being done (as we speak) and we assure that it will be a very successful Meghalaya Games. I have personally visited (Tura) 6-7 times, to make sure all athletes, their accommodations are being taken care of,” he said adding “So everything is being done and preparations are on and there is no need to worry about the accommodation.”

He informed that the government is spending nearly Rs 23 crore for the Meghalaya Games. Justifying this, Warjri said, “We are spending to see that our athletes are being looked after in terms of transportation and accommodation. We are organizing 22 disciplines and I don’t think it is too much as we want to give our youths the best, that is why we are spending. Over 3,000 athletes are participating in the games.”

Stating that the objective of the Meghalaya Games is to promote sportspersons in the state, the minister said, “It is to give them a chance to showcase their talents and I believe with this it will help them a lot. We want to host the Meghalaya Games to give them a platform to grow and hope through this someday they will emerge and can take part in national events as well.”

He said no new infrastructures are being constructed as the government is taking the help of schools and colleges for accommodating the athletes and officials. The games will be held in different sporting facilities in various locations of Tura.

Further, the minister said the government has also decided to include indigenous games.

“Maw-point, a popular indigenous game from Khasi Hills, will also be included. We are also looking at Jaintia and Garo Hills but we are yet to finalise. We want to include indigenous games in order to promote our rich culture through sports,” he added.

Meghalaya receives Energy Efficiency Award

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Dec 14: In acknowledgement of its exceptional performance in the State Energy Efficiency Index, the state of Meghalaya has been awarded the second prize in the State Energy Efficiency Performance Award (Group 4) at the esteemed National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) 2023. This distinguished ceremony took place at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, in the esteemed presence of The President of India, Droupadi Murmu. This noteworthy achievement underscores Meghalaya’s steadfast dedication to energy conservation and efficiency.

The NECA, an annual event observed on “National Energy Conservation Day,” recognizes commendable efforts in energy conservation spanning various sectors of the economy.

The National Energy Conservation Day and the Awards are being organized by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, which is delegated as per the Energy Conservation Act 2001, to regulate and promote energy efficiency and its conservation in India. Every year on December 14, these Awards are given by the Government of India to various sectors of the economy, recognizing the exemplary efforts on Energy Conservation in the country by these sectors.

Expressing his jubilation, Abu Taher Mondal, Minister of the Department of Power, Government of Meghalaya, stated, “The State Energy Efficiency Performance Award reflects our commitment to sustainable practices and energy conservation, motivating us to persist in our endeavours towards a greener and more energy-efficient future. Meghalaya has consistently spearheaded sustainable energy initiatives, recently launching a Rs 500 crore Solar Mission to ensure a sustainable power source in the state. Furthermore, in the realm of hydro energy, the commissioning of the 33/11kv, 1×2.5MVA substation at Krang village, with a total investment of Rs. 6.60 Crores has facilitated the seamless transfer of 2549 households from Krang and its adjoining villages.”

Meghalaya is heavily dependent on hydropower for its power procurement and hence has been generating green power. Further to harness the Solar Power, Meghalaya had planned solar parks at two locations with a capacity of 20 MW each i.e., Suchen and Thamar.

The Distribution losses in MePDCL have been reduced gradually in recent years. Compared to the distribution losses of 25 per cent in the financial year 2021–2022, the distribution loss in the financial year 2022–2023 was 16 per cent.  Several measures have been take to improve Billing efficiency.

The draft Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) is under consideration for implementation. A Demand Side Management Cell also established in MePDCL with the assistance of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, New Delhi to formulate a suitable business model to adopt DSM activities. The Publicity and Awareness activities are being carried out by the SDA regularly.

Sanjay Goyal, Commissioner and Secretary, Power Department, Govt. Of Meghalaya, remarked, “This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering a sustainable and resilient power infrastructure. The objective is not only to meet the energy requirements of the community but also to establish a foundation for enhanced service reliability and overall progress in the region.”

Apart from this, the Government notified the Meghalaya Energy Conservation Regulation 2017 intending to promote the use of BEE Star-level appliances in public procurement and ban the use of incandescent lamps and inefficient magnetic-wire chock of Tube lights.

The Government of Meghalaya recently launched The Meghalaya Electric Vehicle Policy 2021 aims to have 15 per cent of the state’s vehicles be electric by 2025. The policy offers purchase incentives for early adoption of EVs based on the energy capacity of the battery.

Govt highlights investment opportunities in Meghalaya

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Dec 14: The Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya organized an Investor Summit cum Roundtable Conference on Investment Opportunities in Meghalaya on December 14, 2023 bringing together key stakeholders, industry experts and potential investors to explore and discuss the vast potential that Meghalaya holds for strategic investments.

Dignitaries in attendance at the event included Paul Lyngdoh, Minister of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, Dr Vijay Kumar, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, Cyril Diengdoh, IAS, Director, Department of Tourism, and various stakeholders from across the country.

Meghalaya is rapidly developing as a promising investment destination. The Summit sheds light on the untapped economic prospects across various sectors and aims to foster dialogue and collaboration among participants, providing a platform for in-depth discussions on the economic landscape, emerging sectors, and potential growth areas in Meghalaya.

Renowned industry leaders and experts from the state and the country engaged in thought-provoking discussions, sharing valuable insights on the current economic landscape of Meghalaya and the opportunities for sustainable investments.

The event featured interactive roundtable discussions, allowing participants to engage in focused conversations on specific investment opportunities, challenges and innovative solutions, and suggestions were also made. Those in attendance were also given a chance to explore and understand specific investment projects and the PPP model through interactive presentations. This provided a comprehensive understanding of the potential returns and positive impact these projects can have on the local economy. 

Minister of tourism, Paul Lyngdoh noted in his keynote address, “The stable political conditions, the atmosphere of peace that permeates the Northeast today. Also, the fact that Meghalaya has moved from what was once an extractive economy into a regenerative economy is a major shift for the state. The ease of doing business, that atmosphere is just right, and we would like to further accelerate and do everything possible to ensure that this ease is taken to its highest level. The government has a mindset that is pro-investor”.

He added, “We would like to ensure that our fragile eco-system is preserved for posterity. We have very clearly, in our tourism policy, stated that the government will go for high-value tourism but to encourage high-value tourism would mean that we create the kind of infrastructure that would attract high-value tourists. We are very clear in our vision that we would like to see that tourism becomes a major employer in the state.”

Speaking at the Summit, Dr Vijay Kumar D., IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Government of Meghalaya spoke on some of the investment options such as Public-Private partnership and the Swiss Challenge and said, “Once we do this diligence on what is possible, we urge you to also do your diligence, then maybe by end of February or early March, we could have several roundtables on what the possibilities are, based on this, we will put the projects for a competitive bidding process.”

While delivering a presentation on the Investors Summit, Cyril Diengdoh, IAS, Director, Department of Tourism highlighted certain factors to those in attendance which include Meghalaya’s aim to be among the top ten states by 2032 in per capita income and achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. The other objectives were to increase GDP by 50 per cent, a 2x increase in farmers income, nurturing future Olympians, quality education for all, 5 lakh employment, increase in Border Trade, amongst others.

The tourism sector in Meghalaya provides livelihood opportunities to almost 50000 people and from the year 2024 onwards, a year-to-year growth of -10% in footfalls is expected with a conservative target of approximately 20 lakh tourists by 2028. 

The Investor Summit offers a unique platform for networking, fostering connections between investors, government officials and local businesses. This collaborative environment will provide investors the opportunity to explore the untapped potential of Meghalaya. The event serves as a catalyst to facilitate meaningful and strategic partnerships that will drive economic growth and sustainable development in the state.