Meghalaya CM announce govt’s decision to come up with scientific mining licenses

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 26, 2022

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has announced the state government’s decision to come up with scientific mining licenses within this year.

Addressing the 73rd Republic Day celebrations at Shillong on Wednesday, Sangma reminded that the government had taken the decision to challenge the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban and was also successful in lifting the ban.

“Now we are in the process of the just transition where we are ensuring, that people are going to be able to mine in a scientific manner, respecting the environment, respecting the system and respecting the people,” he said.

“Therefore, you will see, that within this year of our golden jubilee, we will come out with scientific mining licenses which are under process as we speak,” he announced.

Stating that the border issue has been very critical for Meghalaya and its people, Sangma said in the last 50 years after getting statehood, past governments were not able to resolve the boundary dispute with Assam.

“(This was despite) many governments have tried, many Chief Ministers have done their best and I do take this opportunity to thank each and every one of them for their efforts,” he added.

He informed when the MDA took over the government in 2018, it realized that in order to resolve this issue, there is need to look through different lenses and accordingly the process was started.

“We started the process by telling Assam government, let us not come to the negotiating table with positions – saying this is Meghalaya or this is Assam as if you have already come with that mindset, then the discussion is over before we start,” he said adding “Therefore, let us start looking at this issue from those lenses (which concerns) the interest of our state and the interest of our people. And that is how we have been looking at the entire process in a different manner, giving more flexibility to the discussion.”

The chief minister also expressed hope that in the new few weeks, the two state governments will be able to come to a conclusion for resolving the first six areas of difference.

“We have stuck with people’s will and what is it that the people in those areas want. People’s will is important and this has been one of the major principles on the basis of which we have moved forward in this discussion. Ethnicity of the people is important…And it is with this mindset today, that we are close to solving six of the issues. And we will work to ensure that the rest of the six issues based on the similar principles are also taken up,” he said.

Earlier, Sangma unfurled the National Flag and took the Salute of the 7 marching contingents comprising of the 58 GTC, BSF, CRPF, East Khasi Hills DEF, 1st MLP Battalion, NCC Boys and Girls and the Border Wing Home Guards Battalion Brass Band.

Other highlights of the celebration include Tableau presentation by the Arts & Culture Department, office of the District Agriculture and Horticulture Officer, AH & Veterinary Department, Forest & Environment Department, Soil & Water Conservation Department, PHE Department, Social Welfare Department, Basin Development Unit, East Khasi Hills and Health & Family Welfare Department. The award for best Tableau was awarded to PHE Department (1st place), Soil & Water Conservation Department (2nd place) and AH & Veterinary Department (3rd place).  

During the programme, announcement was made for the President’s Home Guards & Civil Defence Medal for Distinguished Service to Shri Willy Nonglang, Deputy Controller, Civil Defence and Home Guards & Civil Defence Medal for Meritorious Service to Shri Sangma Kukesh, Sub-Inspector and Shri Liver Lyngdoh, Havildar, Home Guards.

Announcements was also made for the Police Medal for Meritorious Service to Shri Banpyrkhat Nongsiej, Deputy Superintendent of Police, office of the ADGP (Special Branch), Fire Service Medals for Meritorious Service to Shri Tandronath Kharbani, Driver Constable and Governor’s Medal to Shri V. D. Sangahiwot Rymbai, Deputy Superintendent of Police (HQ), Ri Bhoi, Smti Hanny B Sangma, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Crime Branch PS), Shillong, Shri Hendrick Syiemlieh, UB, Sub- Inspector, PHQ, Shri Salnang Luke W. Momin, UB Sub Inspector, North Garo Hills DEF, Shri Tisharlin Mawdoh, UB Sub Inspector, West Khasi Hills DEF, Shri Clyforth K. Sangma, Havildar, 2nd MLP Battalion, Shri Evel N. Marak, Havildar, 4th MLP Battalion, Shri Akash Roy, LNK, East Khasi Hills DEF, Dakynmolang Passah, AB Constable, East Khasi Hills DEF and Shri Diving Casper Nongbri, BN Constable, 6th MLP Battalion,

The Chief Guest felicitated the health workers attached to the COVID-19 BSL-2 Molecular Laboratory namely, Dr. Evaridalin Shadap, Senior Specialist Incharge Covid-19 BSL-2 Molecular Laboratory, Dr. Chonrei Sangma, Senior Specialist Assistant incharge Covid-19 BSL-2 Molecular Laboratory, Dr. Phibangipan Warjri, Shri Janerio R. Marak, Smti Amanda Ranee, Shri Bandaplupa Nongsiej, Shri Ricky Sunn, Shri Everly Kharbani and Shri Nathaneal Ryan Lyngwa for the services rendered during this pandemic. Dr (Mrs) HC Lyndem DHS (R) and Dr. Phibangipan Warjri received the citation on behalf of the health workers.

The State Food Testing Laboratory of the Commissionerate of Food Safety, Pasteur Hills, Shillong was felicitated during the programme for achieving NABL accreditation in Biological discipline and being the only Government Laboratory in the entire North-East India. Dr (Mrs) Wadamika Lyngdoh, Food Analyst and Microbiologist received the citation on behalf of the team.

Health care workers namely, Dr. Khrawkupar Kharnaior, MS OBG I/c Sohra CHC and his team; Shri Nangteiskhem Rajee, MLHP Thnroit HWC and his team, Smti Naphilin Pyrtuh, AF Mawroh and Mawsiatkhnam PHC and Smti Nancy Sohtun, ASHA, Nehru State Dispensary, Mawlai were also felicitated during the programme.