Shillong, April 10: The Assembly Committee on Estimates has expressed concern over teenage pregnancy in the state.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting of the committee, Nongpoh MLA and Chairman of the Committee on Estimates, Mayralborn Syiem, on Friday said that the committee stressed the need for convergence among departments to address social issues, including teenage pregnancy, early marriage, substance abuse and tobacco use, suggesting community sensitisation through coordinated efforts involving stakeholders.
IT Park
The Assembly Estimates Committee has welcomed the completion of the IT Park in Umsawli, New Shillong, saying it is expected to address unemployment issues in the region.
“We are happy to observe that the IT Park has been completed and we hope that it will serve the purpose of addressing the unemployment issue of the region,” chairman of the committee Mayralborn Syiem told reporters after chairing a review meeting with officials of the IT department on Friday.
“We have also discussed the status of initiatives taken by the government with regards to last mile connectivity, which is the dream and aspiration of the Chief Minister.”
Syiem expressed optimism about the high-speed internet connectivity project, saying it is in its final stages and will soon be operational in parts of the state.
“This initiative will really transform the future of the state,” he said.
“Every citizen, especially students and entrepreneurs, needs high-speed internet. If we talk about smart classrooms, they need high-speed internet.”
The committee has urged the government to expedite the project, saying it will benefit the people at large.
“We have made an observation that this also has to be put on fast track so that it will benefit the people at large,” Syiem said
Infra devp in home department
The committee has directed the implementing agencies under the Home (Police) Department to expedite the construction of infrastructure projects in Meghalaya.
“We have discussed construction of infrastructures that have been made in the state, be it in Khasi region and Garo region,” Syiem said.
“We have instructed them to do so as soon as possible so that they meet the requirement as per the provisions that have been made in the budget during the preceding years”, he said.
The committee has urged the engineering wing of the police headquarters and MGCC to prioritise the projects, ensuring timely completion.
Syiem stressed the need for swift action to utilize the allocated budget effectively.
Anganvadi centres
The committee directed the Social Welfare Department to get funds from both state and central governments to establish Anganwadi centres in over 1600 villages in Meghalaya that currently lack these facilities.
Syiem said, “We are concerned about the uncovered villages which do not have Anganwadi centres. There are more than 1600 villages which do not have Anganwadi centres. We have taken note of this and advised the Social Welfare Department to find ways and means to get funds from the central and state governments.”
