Meghalaya Assembly Committee Wraps Up Comprehensive Review of Six Key Departments
The Estimates Committee of the Meghalaya legislative assembly successfully concluded a rigorous two-day review meeting on Friday, focusing on critical assessments of six pivotal departments. This high-level session, held in Shillong, involved in-depth discussions with officials from education, public works (PWD), public health engineering (PHE), social welfare, home (police), and information technology & communication sectors.
Focus on Social Welfare and Infrastructure Development
Mayralborn Syiem, MLA and chairman of the committee, emphasized that a detailed report and specific recommendations, as mandated by the assembly, will be formally tabled in the House during the upcoming session. The committee expressed significant concern over the alarming shortage of anganwadi centres, with approximately 1,600 villages across Meghalaya currently lacking these essential facilities. In response, the PWD department has been instructed to actively explore all possible avenues for establishing new centres, including seeking financial and logistical support from the central government, despite existing challenges related to population and household guidelines.
Progress Review of Educational and Public Works Projects
During the meeting, the committee meticulously reviewed the implementation and progress of various infrastructure projects. Key educational initiatives under scrutiny included construction works at model degree colleges in Rongjeng and Patharkhmah, developments at Kiang Nongbah College, and enhancements at polytechnic institutions across the state. Additionally, ongoing and planned projects under the PWD (buildings) division were discussed, highlighting renovation efforts for Meghalaya House and other significant infrastructure initiatives both within and outside the state.
Water Supply and Police Department Initiatives
The committee also examined the progress of the Greater Ampati Water Supply Scheme, directing the PHE department to expedite its completion to ensure timely access to clean water for residents. Regarding the home (police) department, discussions centered on infrastructure development, with a strong emphasis on the timely completion of projects in strict alignment with the budgetary provisions allocated during the previous financial year.
Advancements in Technology and Employment
In a positive development, the committee appreciated the successful completion of the IT Park at Umsawli, expressing optimism that this facility will play a crucial role in addressing unemployment by creating new job opportunities in the technology sector. The status of last-mile connectivity for high-speed internet was also reviewed, with reports indicating that this initiative is in its final stages, and certain areas are expected to become operational soon, thereby enhancing digital access across the region.
