Shillong, February 24 A rare exchange took place in the Meghalaya Assembly when NPP MLA Mehtab Chandee A Sangma questioned Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma about stalled projects for livestock education, prompting assurances from the CM that the process would be expedited.
Raising the issue in the House, the Gambegre legislator sought clarification on the progress of a veterinary college, two fishery colleges, and a dairy college, which were first proposed by the cabinet in 2022, as well as on the shortage of manpower in veterinary training centers across the state.
The exchange drew attention as it was one of the few instances where a husband and wife (Conrad K Sangma and Mehtab Chandee A Sangma) legislator duo engaged in a healthy debate on policy matters during Assembly proceedings.
Responding on behalf of the government, the chief minister said that the institutions were planned to strengthen the livestock sector.
"These were the three colleges that we have decided on, due to the urgent need, keeping in mind that a large population of the state is involved in livestock rearing," he said.
He acknowledged concerns over staffing gaps, saying, "It is definitely a matter of concern. Steps are being taken to ensure that the manpower shortage is filled up as soon as possible." He added that filling the vacancies would be given priority.
Regarding delays in preparing the detailed project reports (DPRs), Sangma said that the process had taken time due to land identification and planning manpower requirements.
Approximately 800 acres have been identified in Kyrdemkulai, Ri-Bhoi, for the proposed veterinary college, which is estimated to cost around Rs 334 crore and include 19 departments.
"We have concerns as the financial requirement is quite large," he said, assuring the House that steps would be taken to fast-track the process.