Congress seeks funds for the development of border areas

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Mentioning alleged apathy towards the villagers of the State dwelling along the Assam-Meghalaya boundary, the Opposition Congress party has criticized the State government. It has even accused Assam of going beyond the limits of harassing the populace of the State dwelling in those areas.

Congress legislator from Umroi, George B Lyngdoh stated on the floor of the house on Thursday that authorities from Assam have stopped villagers living there from carrying out their livelihood activities like plantation and cultivation. "They are being harassed. The audacity of Assam to harass the citizens (of the State) is an outcome of the Government of Meghalaya not to augment the budget for the 'Inter State Border Area Development'," said the Umroi MLA.

Earlier, Border Area Development Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui informed that there has been no allocation of funds for the department for the last two fiscals (2019-20 and 2020-2021). "Though it is there in the Budget provision yet sanctioning depends on the availability of funds," said Rymbui during the 'Question Hour' even as he added that the government will sanction an amount for this year.

In response, Umroi legislator said that if the Budget is passed, it is a commitment to the people of the State. "For two years this programme has been suspended due to non-release of funds. They (border residents) feel orphaned and exploited," said Lyngdoh.

The Border Area Development Minister informed the House that since the inception of the State, an amount of Rs 39, 58, 80, 000 has been sanction for various schemes through this department. Stating that providing development in the border areas is a multi-pronged approach, Rymbui said, "But more funds have been sanctioned through other line department."

The Border Areas Development Minister informed that the amount sanctioned for the development of Interstate Border villages under Inter State Border Area Development Programme during the year 2018-19 is Rs. 100 lakh. The district-wise allocation for the year 2018019 is as follows: Ri-Bhoi (Rs 38.58 lakh); South West Garo Hills (Rs. 2.80 lakh); West Garo Hills (Rs 9.84 lakh); West Jaintia Hills (Rs 8.16 lakh); East Jaintia Hills (Rs 11.07 lakh); West Khasi Hills (Rs 6.17 lakh); and North Garo Hills (Rs 11.34 lakh).

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