Influx figures unknown, problem real: CM

SHILLONG, MAR 20: Even as chief minister Mukul Sangma acknowledged that there is no specific study done to find out the exact reason for the increase in the state population, but he agreed that a comprehensive study is required to find out whether influx or illegal migration is the reason behind such an increase.

Sangma  told the assembly on Wednesday, “No specific-study has been done to find out whether the increase in population of the state is a result of illegal migration or influx.” He, however, said that there is a need of a comprehensive study to find the actual reason for the increase of population in the state.

Replying to a query raised by UDP legislator Jemino Mawthoh on the abnormal increase of population in the state during the question hour, Sangma also informed that steps are being taken by the government to detect infiltration from across the international border and inter-state border of Meghalaya.

Sangma said strict vigilance is being maintained in the international borders through watch posts, patrol posts, check post and by intensive patrolling at all border check posts.

“Government of India has sanctioned 180 watch posts which included 5 watch posts, 10 patrol posts, 4 passport check posts, 12 additional check posts,” Sangma informed the assembly and added that the state government also has sanctioned 85 posts, which included 3 check posts and 7 special squads in seven districts to check infiltration.

While assuring that the MUA II government is taking the issue of influx seriously, he told the house that the state government will come up with a more ‘comprehensive’ and ‘institutionalize’ mechanism to tackle the problem and certain initiatives have already been taken as the recommendations of the committees on influx and illegal migration will be taken into account .

Sangma told the assembly that an anti-infiltration directorate is already in place and the directorate will be headed by an additional DGP as its director while the recruitment to the 39 posts of labour inspectors have been taken up by the MPSC.

Sangma said the labour department has administers acts and rules relating to inter-state migrant workmen act 1979 to check infiltration of migrant labourers through employer and contractors in the state.

Speaking on the status of the government constituted High Level Committee on Influx headed by the then Deputy CM Bindo M Lanong which recommended the implementation of inner line permit, the Sangma informed, “The recommendations of the committee is yet to be submitted officially to the state government.”

Saying that the government cannot give a specific time frame for coming out with a control mechanism to check influx Sangma appealed to the legislators to have confident on the steps being initiated by the government. He said, “The issue also requires the involvement of all political party and stakeholders to address the problem.” – By Our Reporter