Meghalaya Governor Phagu Chauhan on Monday said the State Government is committed to resolve the remaining six areas of difference between Assam and Meghalaya.
Addressing the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on the first day of the budget session, the Governor said, “. Based on the reports of the three regional committees, a MoU was signed between the states of Meghalaya and Assam in presence of the Hon’ble Union Home Minister. I am also happy to inform this August House that the State Government is committed to resolve the remaining six areas of difference.”
“This is imperative to ensure that our citizens in the bordering areas are not denied access to peace and development,” he added.
The Governor also reminded that the state government has moved towards a permanent resolution to the long-standing boundary dispute between Meghalaya and Assam. After several meetings, both the states agreed to first take up six of the 12 areas of difference i.e., Tarabari, Gizang, Hahim, Boklapara, Khanapara- Pillangkata and Ratacherra.
The regional committees headed by cabinet ministers from both the states have made field visits, held public hearings and discussions with all stakeholders for these six areas.
The Governor also said the safety of citizens, peace and security are necessary for the development of the State, while maintaining that the overall law and order in the State was peaceful during the previous year.
On the Mukroh incident, he said, “The State Government has constituted a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Mukroh incident and is committed to ensure justice for the victims and their families. To ensure protection of our citizens in the border areas, seven border outposts have been notified.”
The Governor’s address mentioned the HNLC peace talk.
Apart from maintaining law and order, Governor Chauhan said, “Meghalaya Police has focussed on improving the investigation of cases. This has led to an upward increase of charge sheets at 39.76% in 2022 as compared to 32.2% in 2021.”
He also informed that the Meghalaya Police has made great strides and is working on a war footing against drugs.
“The overall seizures have gone up considerably with contraband worth Rs. 71 crores and cash amount of Rs. 60 Lakh being recovered since 2022,” the Governor added.
He also informed the house that the State Government is committed towards strengthening the Police and creating supporting infrastructure. In the past few years the State Government has notified five new Fire and Emergency Service Stations, nine police outposts and five new Police Stations.
The Governor further said, the state government has enhanced the pension benefit to vulnerable sections by 50% from Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 9,000 annually, under the CM-CARES program.
“65,771 senior citizens, 36,222 single mothers and 14,227 infirm citizens are benefitting through the CM-CARES scheme. The support has also been extended to the beneficiaries of the Centrally sponsored National Social Assistance Program,” he added.
On connectivity, the Governor said currently the Shillong Airport at Umroi is catering to about 10,000 passengers with 250 flights every month, connecting 9 cities.
“ SpiceJet Airlines now operates direct flights to New Delhi and more cities will be added soon,” he said, adding, “The Baljek Airport will also be operationalised by upgrading the existing infrastructure.”
In the power sector, the State has a total installed capacity of 363.70 MW generating about 1,100 MU of energy annually.
“Works to strengthen and modernize the power distribution network and reduce technical and commercial losses are in progress,” he said.
To diversify the energy mix, the government is exploring the development of Solar Power.
The Meghalaya New and Renewable Energy Development Agency has undertaken various schemes to promote solar energy including installation of 1500 solar street lights, 50 biogas plants and 200 solar pumps under the PM-KUSUM Scheme, which are in different stages of implementation.