Shillong,Feb 24:The House on Tuesday witnessed Chief Minister Conrad Sangma replying to questions raised by his wife, Mehtab Chandee A Sangma, representing the Gambegre constituency.
The question was regarding the setting up of three colleges under the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department.
In the absence of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister Sanbor Shullai, the chief minister replied to questions raised by Mehtab.
To a particular question, Conrad said he would expedite the process of establishing a veterinary college, two fishery colleges, and a dairy college, first proposed by the cabinet in 2022.
“These were the three colleges which we have decided…because of the urgent need, keeping in mind that a large population of the state is engaging in livestock rearing,” Conrad said, responding to a question by his wife and NPP legislator of Gambegre Mehtab Chandee A Sangma on Tuesday.
Conrad said the veterinary training centres exist across Meghalaya, though he did not have the exact number or locations.
Mehtab raised concerns about staff shortages faced by these training centres.
In reply, the chief minister said, “It is definitely a matter of concern…steps are being taken to ensure the manpower shortage is filled up at the earliest. This is a serious matter, and we will ensure the different vacancies are filled at the earliest”.
Regarding the delay in the process of preparation of the detailed project reports (DPRs), Conrad said, “It does take time due to the process of identification of land and working into different requirements of manpower.”
“We have concerns as the financial requirement is quite large. We would require Rs 334 crore for setting up of veterinary college…800 acres of land have been identified at Kyrdemkulai in Ri Bhoi, 19 departments proposed,” he said, citing the reason for the delay.
“However, steps will be taken to fasten the entire process,” the chief minister said
