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Tura winter capital demand revived

Shillong, March 30: The Achik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK) has petitioned Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to have a winter capital in Tura as it is a long cherished  dream and the promise of the  government since the formation of the state.

In the letter, the organisation said that it would ensure equitable distribution of development and administration across the state. This would lead to the overall upliftment of the people of Meghalaya, and not just a particular region.

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Getting a second capital in Tura will reduce geo-physical barrier, the ACHIK said, adding that it will take more time to reach Shillong from Garo Hills.

According to the organisation, the second capital will bring equal development to the state as the Garo Hills region will not be left behind.

It wanted the government to shift the Additional Secretariat to Tura. “This move is crucial in expediting the implementation process of devolution of power and promotion of development in the Garo Hills region. The shifting of the Additional Secretariat to Tura would have a significant impact on promoting good governance in the region. It is an essential step towards bringing the governance closer to the people of Garo Hills. This move would also uphold the ideals of democracy, where the power is devolved to the grassroots level’ the organisation said.

The winter capital will help in decentralization and devolution of power as these are two key components of good governance that promotes a healthy democracy.

The establishment of a winter capital could provide a much-needed boost to the local economy, creating new jobs and opportunities, it said.

Moreover, Tura experiences relatively mild weather conditions during the winter months, which makes it an ideal location for the winter capital.

“The creation of a winter capital in Tura can be the greatest avenue that a state government can create for the Khasi-Jaintia brethren to explore Garo Hills. This can significantly improve the communication and relationship between the two ethnic groups and promote mutual understanding and respect besides communal harmony’, it said.

There are several examples of Indian states having multiple capitals. Andhra Pradesh has three, Himachal Pradesh two, Jammu & Kashmir two, Karnataka two and Maharashtra two. These states have adopted the model for efficient and fair governance considering the social and ethnic diversity among other reasons. In the spirit of equality and fairness, Tura must be made the winter capital of Meghalaya as the state owes it to the general public of Tura and wider Garo Hills since the last 50 years.

The ACHIK said that there is a need to transfer Additional Chief Secretary and the Additional DGP to Tura as this move will activate the ideals and visions of decentralisation of power.

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