SHILLONG, MAR 6: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday assured to constitute a committee to examine the demand for a winter capital in Tura, West Garo Hills.
Conrad while replying in the Assembly said,”As we cannot go with the resolution, I can put a party committee. Let it discuss with all stakeholders from Jaintia Hills, Khasi Hills and Garo Hills, the different aspects and what kind of complications…,” he announced.
Urging the leader of opposition to withdraw the resolution, the CM said, “All actions are great examples to decentralise things and bring administration closer to the people. Therefore, we are going with the spirit of the resolution and we will have a committee on it. With this, I would urge the mover of the resolution to withdraw.”
The CM said, “Our actions speak louder than words. We don’t go around and talk about different things we want to do but we have acted firmly to ensure that all round development comes to the state.”
He said that the government has conducted cabinet meetings to the different parts of the state – Tura, Jowai, Sohra, Resubelpara while asserting that “such programmes cannot be valued in terms of the cost. If you look at that then we lose the meaning of taking the cabinet to the people.”
“There is a reason why we are doing it. Cost is there no doubt but the larger messaging of involving everybody is to show that every section of our society and individual is important to us. Therefore, the cabinet on the move will continue,” Conrad added.
The chief minister also informed that since 2018, the government has started putting cabinet ministers to be in-charge of different districts to handhold and visit the villages and spend time to understand the issues faced by them.
“Alot of action has been taken to show the intent of this government and ensure we bring all round development irrespective of regions,” he stated.
In line with the aspiration, the chief minister also announced the government’s decision to spend Rs 100 crore for the construction of the Integrated Administrative Complex at Tura, West Garo Hills.
The chief minister also claimed that for the first time all blocks in the state were given new buildings.
“All new blocks created, we are sanctioning building this year,”he announced.
Satisfied with the reply, Mukul decided to withdraw the resolution. He said, “The way I had scripted the resolution, it was in a manner we all agree and I am successful in that.”
“I can read between the lines of what you (CM) are trying to do. It is a commitment to proceed. I am pleased to withdraw and seek leave of the house to withdraw the resolution,” he stated.
In the Assembly, the resolution proposing the demand was moved in the house by the Leader of the Opposition Dr. Mukul Sangma which he later withdrew after assurance of the Government the Chief Minister termed the move as a positive gesture by the Opposition.