SHILLONG, OCT 24: Opposition in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has strongly criticized the executive member (EM) in-charge council assets Pynkhrawboklin Kharjahrin, accusing him of attempting to mislead the House by stating that no agreement has been signed regarding the management of the Mawsynram market complex.
In response to a question raised by NPP MDC from Mawsynram Alvin Sawkmie in the House on Friday, Kharjahrin said that the construction of the market complex is complete, and the project will be fully implemented in the coming months.
He assured that the pending bill of Rs 7 lakh for the Mawsynram market complex will be released soon.
Kharjahrin stated that the process to release the bill is underway, but the finance department is yet to resolve the technical issue.
However, Sawkmie expressed concerns about the maintenance of the market complex, questioning who will be responsible for the costs.
Kharjahrin replied that there is no agreement yet between the council and the dorbar shnong regarding the management of the market complex. He added that the new EC will examine and take necessary action on the matter. The EM also stated that there is no handover letter from the contractor, and verbal discussions have taken place with the dorbar shnong.
“No information in the file. There is yet any agreement regarding the project. The new EC will ensure any investment in council assets will benefit the council and the people of the region,” Kharjahrin stated.
Sawkmie accused Kharjahrin of misleading the House, citing that a market committee has been constituted and an agreement has been signed with the district council.
“I don’t want the EM to mislead the House because a market committee has been constituted, and an agreement has been signed with the district council. How can the EM say there is no agreement? How can he mislead the House?”
Kharjahrin denied this, stating that he is referring to the information available with him.
“The member cannot say I am trying to mislead the House because I am referring to the information available with me. After completion, the project will come under the market.”
Leader of Opposition Titosstarwell Chyne questioned Kharjahrin’s lack of memory regarding when he released the file related to the Mawsynram market complex.
Kharjahrin responded that it is difficult for him to remember due to the large number of files.
“I can’t remember the exact date as to when I released the file. After the completion of the construction of the Mawsynram complex, we will discuss the share between the council and the dorbar shnong. The project has been completed, but we are yet to get a handover letter from the contractor. After this, we will discuss with the dorbar shnong for the management of the market complex,” he said adding “”It is difficult for me to remember because there are so many files. I urge the members not to waste time on small things.”
Chyne however said, “That cannot be accepted because the EM is supposed to come prepared. You cannot just say that you don’t remember. You should check the records.”
NPP MDC from Nongshken Grace Mary Kharpuri emphasized the importance of an agreement before handing over the market building.
In his reply, the EM said”We have reviewed all projects of the council. How can I look after the agreement? It is not our job. If we had been here five years ago, we could have implemented your suggestion. We are following up all projects of the council. The EC will ensure projects benefit the council and the people.”
When Kharpuri sought to know how many market complexes have been sanctioned by the council, Kharjahrin said, “To provide an exact number is difficult as some market complexes which have been completed are now falling under the market department, and those incomplete are under the council assets. Forgive me, but those incomplete are two of them at Mawsynram and Riangdo.”
When Kharpuri expressed that the reply of the EM is not clear, Kharjahrin said, “How can I give information which is not available on my table? I suggest the member write to the market department if she wants to get the details.”
By Our Reporter
