Shillong, Aug 8: The state cabinet submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday in New Delhi highlighting the need to implement ILP, besides bringing to his notice the pending issues of border imbroglio, HNLC peace talks and Khasi-Garo language recognition among others.
Here is the statement from the CMO regarding the issues raised by the cabinet.
Press Release | New Delhi | August 8
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, alongside Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Thomas Sangma and State Cabinet Ministers, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi today. The delegation submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Modi, seeking his intervention.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji heard our concerns, and assured to look into it. We thank him for giving us this opportunity,” the Chief Minister said, while highlighting the issues that were discussed.
On Assam – Meghalaya area of differences, Chief Minister Sangma sought the support of Prime Minister Modi for the ongoing resolution of the remaining six out of twelve disputed areas between Assam and Meghalaya. He told Prime Minister on the reconstitution of three Regional Committees to assess the current status of the remaining six disputed areas. The committees tasked with verifying village claims, establishing geographical locations, and preparing asset registers in collaboration with both state governments.
Notably, six areas were successfully resolved in March 2022, with an agreement signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. A joint survey by both states is currently underway to demarcate boundaries in these resolved areas.
On externally aided projects (EAPs), the Chief Minister apprised Prime Minister that EAPs were very critical for the State. He told Prime Minister that Meghalaya has embarked on an ambitious goal of becoming a USD 10 billion economy within the next five years, and to achieve this target, the State requires to double its economy through investment in physical and social infrastructure, which will drive sustainable growth and employment opportunities.
“The State Government has actively pursued private investments and aimed to foster a robust private sector. Despite efforts, inherent challenges related to land tenure systems, remoteness, and rugged terrain have constrained private investments. Therefore, public investments, including those from Externally Aided Projects (EAPs), are crucial to boost the state’s economy. These projects, which account for around 72% of the project cost as grants from the Government of India to the North-Eastern and Hill states, form a pivotal component of the investment portfolio,” the Chief Minister said.
He also informed that the State Government has successfully received approvals for several projects under this merit-based system. Presently, eight projects worth Rs. 5,855 crore (loan component Rs 4,266 crore) are being implemented, while another ten projects in the preparatory phase hold an estimated project cost of Rs. 5,721 Crores (loan component Rs. 4,610 crore). The total project cost of ongoing and posed projects stands at approximately Rs. 11,576 crore, covering sectors such as Roads, Tourism, Power distribution, Agriculture marketing, Skill Development, Healthcare, Water harvesting, and Climate resilience.
Highlighting positive stories of growth and development, the Chief Minister sought for continued support from centre. “Prime Minister ji has assured that all support from Government of India will be extended to the State for the growth and progress of the State,” he added.
Further the Chief Minister said that Prime Minister was very elated to hear about Meghalaya ‘lifecycle approach’ model, wherein holistic interventions are being made to ensure that at every stage in the child’s life, the government play its role in ensuring that the necessary support is given. “First 1000 days for a child is very crucial and through the early childhood programme, we will aid in supporting and supplementing the requirement for the child,” he stressed. He also told that through different intervention, the government is trying to uplift the socio-economic condition of the people in the State.
Khasi-Garo language recognition
He also apprised Prime Minister on the inclusion of Khasi and Garo Language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. He emphasized the eligibility of Khasi and Garo languages for inclusion. A resolution to this effect was passed by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in November 2018, and the matter is currently pending with the Government of India.
HNLC peace talks
On the issue of peace talks with Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), the Chief Minister apprised Prime Minister that the outfit has expressed its readiness for unconditional talks with the Governments of India and Meghalaya, within the framework of the Indian Constitution and without any preconditions. Acknowledging this development, the Ministry of Home Affairs has signalled the Meghalaya State Government to initiate peace talks with HNLC, and the Ministry is committed to offering necessary support and guidance throughout the process.
The Chief Minister told the Prime Minister that the formal dialogue is underway, and the State Government is optimistic that the peace process will reach a successful conclusion.
Against nomination of unrepresented tribes
Chief Minister Sangma conveyed the state’s views on Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Fifth Amendment) Bill, 2019 highlighting concerns related to the nomination of un-represented tribes to the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in Meghalaya.
On nomination of Un-Represented Tribes to Autonomous District Councils, the memorandum conveyed the Government of Meghalaya’s stance on the nomination of un-represented tribes to Autonomous District Councils. The State government decided against this nomination after extensive consultations with various stakeholders, given concerns of unequal opportunity among tribes.
CM says state has 17 major tribes
In the memorandum presented to Prime Minister Modi, Chief Minister Sangma underlined the intricacies of the situation. He explained that Meghalaya consists of 17 major tribes, some of which have as many as 37 sub-tribes. With the proposed expansion of seats in the Autonomous District Councils, the ratio of seats to the number of tribes/sub-tribes raised concerns about the equitable distribution of nominated seats.
The memorandum expressed apprehensions that this disproportionate allocation might lead to inequality of opportunity among different tribes, potentially endangering the unity and fraternity they share. Additionally, Meghalaya emphasised that there is no reservation for seats filled by universal adult suffrage, and no ban on any tribe/sub-tribe participating in the election process—be it contesting or voting. Therefore, after extensive consultations with various stakeholders, the Government of Meghalaya has opted against the nomination of un-represented tribes to the ADCs.
ILP resolution
Implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP): The delegation also highlighted the resolution passed by the Meghalaya State Assembly in December 2019, focusing on the need for Inner Line Permit (ILP) implementation in Meghalaya. The delegation sought Prime Minister Modi’s intervention as the State Government awaits a response from the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the consideration of ILP in Meghalaya.
