DANGGO – ADB PROJECT

SHILLONG, MAY 26: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) South West Khasi Hills District has accused the PWD Minister and Ranikor sitting MLA Martin M Danggo for allegedly “politicizing” the Asian Development Bank (ADB) project.

“The MLA has made the project as a political issue for his personal gain,” HYC-SWKH vice president Bantei Wanniang told reporters at a news conference held here on Friday.

He said the project which was earlier approved to Nolikata Higher Secondary School, Gumaghat, Ranikor was diverted to Horrirai Syiemlieh Memorial Higher Secondary School of Photjuad Rangthong village under Mawkyrwat Block.

Quoting a letter by the DSEL director, Ambrose Ch Marak, who is also ADB Project Member Secretary on March 4, last year, Wanniang said, “Nolikata school was replaced by Horrirai Syiemlieh school as per request of the Ranikor MLA.”

Asked, the HYC leader said in fact Nolikata, which is one of the oldest schools in the region, was approved together with Khonjoi school in Maheshkhola under phase-I for implementation of the ADB project.

“While the scheme in Khonjoi has already started, Nolikata was however deprived due such political interferences,” he said.

He further informed that earlier the HYC had also met the senior government officials – Sanjay Goyal, who is also the ADB project chairman, RV Suchiang, the ABD project deputy director, and DSEL director Ambrose Ch Marak.

“However all of them have denied of being aware as to why the scheme meant for the school (Nolikata) have been diverted despite the approval given by the ADB,” he said.

According to him, but everything came to light when we came across the letter which indicated the MLA’s role in diverting the scheme.

Wanniang also said that the Chief Engineer of PWD (Building) had also informed that the department would soon call tender for implementing the ADB project in Horrirai Syiemlieh School.

Meanwhile, the HYC has decided to serve a two-week deadline to the government demanding that the ADB scheme at Nolikata Hr Sec School is retained.

“Failing which, we would be compelled to resort to agitations in order to ensure there is no room for politicizing education in this manner,” Wanniang said.

Asked, the HYC leader said both the schools are being privately run by individuals. The only difference between them is that Nolikata is located in an area which is dominated by Garos while Horrirai Syiemlieh is in an area dominated by Khasis, he added.