Shillong, Sept 26:The signatories of the Agreed Text for Settlement to improve governance in Garo Hills will visit the projects that have been completed and are in progress.
The government held a meeting with both the ANVC and the ANVC-B leaders.
Former ANVC-B chief Bernard Marak said after the meeting that the signatories will visit the projects under process and those that are completed and functional. Many projects have been taken up by the government departments, which will be verified physically by the signatories, he said.
“The meeting with the Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and other state officials was very satisfying as it was held after 6 to 7 years for and the meeting went on for 3 long hours”, Marak said in a statement.
He said a comprehensive discussion was initiated para-wise, and the state explained the initiatives and implementation of the Agreed Text from their level, while the signatories sought clarifications on various issues, including Medical College, Captain Williamson State University, formation of new districts and blocks, which were also part of the Agreed Text. “The GHADC bailout package was also discussed, and the government assured to speed up with strict adherence to the Agreed Text”, he said.
Upgradation of the existing Civil Hospitals in the District Headquarters, ITIs, Polytechnics, Engineering College, and Horticulture College was also discussed. Upgradation and manning of the vacant posts in the Government colleges were also deliberated. Forest funds and the use of funds for Rural Local Bodies and Urban Local Bodies were also discussed. The existence of Village Councils was clarified by the Deputy CEM of GHADC and others, which was acknowledged by the Deputy CM and others.
Marak said Airport works will resume, besides the construction of roads.
The 125th amendment will be pursued by the state government, and district-level nodal officers were appointed for coordination at the state and district levels.
ANVC leader Vicky Rose N. Sangma, in his social media post, said the meeting involved a detailed and thorough review of all the paragraphs and provisions contained in the agreed text for settlement. The discussions were comprehensive and constructive, lasting for nearly three and a half hours.
“The meeting was indeed fruitful, laying a strong foundation for further progress on the matter. We remain hopeful that such consultative meetings will continue to be organized in the near future, as they provide an essential platform for ensuring clarity, consensus, and cooperation among all stakeholders”, Sangma said.
