Shillong, May 29: Transport infrastructure and digital connectivity are crucial elements that are vital for the proper functioning of modern societies. Recognizing the need for improved transport and digital connectivity infrastructure in Meghalaya, six young MLAs of Meghalaya engaged in a thoughtful dialogue with German MP, Florian Muller, aiming to bring about development in these two sectors within the state.
Six young MLAs from Meghalaya, including Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Shakliar Warjri, Santa Mary Shylla, Damanbait Lamare, Charles Marngar, Ian Botham Sangma, and Gabriel Wahlang, had a productive discussion on the topics of ‘Digital Connectivity’ and ‘Transport in India,’ specifically focusing on Meghalaya, with Florian Müller, MP, Member of the German Parliament belonging to the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) parliamentary group, and Dr. Adrian Haack, Resident Representative to India of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiffung, New Delhi.
Florian Müller, the German MP, highlighted the interdependence between transport infrastructure and digital connectivity, emphasising that they rely on each other for effective operation. He mentioned that the development of modern transport infrastructure has facilitated faster and more efficient movement of goods and people globally.
Müller emphasized that robust digital connectivity is essential to ensure the smooth functioning of all aspects of transport infrastructure, including transportation management systems, traffic monitoring and control, and communication between drivers and passengers.
During the interactive session, the MLAs expressed their concerns about the inadequate transportation infrastructure within the state. Despite being more than 50 years since attaining statehood, many villages in Meghalaya still lack proper road connectivity.
Shakliar Warjri acknowledged the significant improvement in road infrastructure within the state over the past five years. He emphasised that it is crucial for the Meghalaya government to continue investing in these areas to ensure continuous growth and development.
Cybersecurity in Focus
The experts have suggested collaboration between India and Germany for secure digital environment.
A panel discussion on “Cybersecurity in Comparative Indian and European Contexts” was held with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), in presence of Florian Müller.
The discussion held at NEHU was on the need to have a more secure virtual and digital world.
Assembly building & SICPAC
Müller, as part of his five-day visit to the state on Monday was given a tour of the ongoing construction of Meghalaya Legislative Assembly building of the at Mawdiangdiang, New Shilllong.
The German MP was accompanied by Dr. Adrian Haack, the Resident Representative to India of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiffung (KAS), New Delhi, and Elias Marini Schäfer, the Head of Publications & communications, KAS.
The government officials who accompanied the MP during the tour includes the Chief Engineer PWD (Building) C.B. Tariang, the Executive Engineer (E.E) M. Nongpluh and the Architect in-charge L.W. Lyttan.
A PowerPoint presentation on how the Assembly building will look like after completion was presented to the German MP. Later, the MP along with state government officials took a quick tour of the Right Wing of the Assembly building.
The MP also visited the Shillong International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture (SICPAC) building. Müller was impressed with the project of the state government which was constructed at an estimated cost of over Rs 151.33 crore.
