JNC demands Govt to immediately set up a mini secretariat in Jowai 

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 23, 2023

The Jaintia National Council (JNC) on Saturday demanded the state government to fulfill its promise by immediately starting the setting up of a mini secretariat in Jowai.

In a statement, JNC publicity cell in-charge Mebanteilang Sukhlain said that the mini secretariat in Jowai should be set up exactly like the one proposed by the government in Tura, West Garo Hills District.

He also reminded the government had already laid the foundation stone for setting up the mini secretariat in Jowai in December last year but unfortunately, there is no sign of starting the project. 

Sukhlain also asked if the foundation stone was just for election purposes.

The demand came as a reaction to the recent statement made by the chief minister Conrad Sangma that the setting up of a mini secretariat in Tura will be a step towards addressing the demand for winter capital. The CM had also stated that there will be large investments as well as large administrative reforms taking place at Tura. “Hence (with the setting up of the mini secretariat), we will see overall improvement in the delivery of our schemes and the presence of administration in a much stronger manner in the coming days and coming years,” the CM had stated while informing that the Governor’s House in Tura is on the verge of completion.

Stating that Jaintia Hills is one of the highest revenue making regions of the state, Sukhlain however said but the saddest part is that it is one of the most neglected region “which means till now the government only takes not give”.

He also questioned the delay of the government to complete the Iawmusiang market complex, which has been pending since 2006. 

He also alleged that despite money is being sanctioned every year still the project is yet to see the light of day. 

“The Council would like put a question (whether) Jaintia Hills have no rights to development?” Sukhlain said while reminding the government that the Jaintia’s too deserve development.