SHILLONG, JUNE 15: Another opposition Congress legislator has asked the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government to consider creating a new civil sub-division for Mawlai, which is the biggest constituency in East Khasi Hills District.
The demand came following the state government’s assurance to upgrade Ranikor administrative unit into a full-fledged civil sub-division recently.
“I have submitted a memorandum requesting the state government to consider creation of a civil sub-division in my constituency,” opposition chief whip and Mawlai MLA Process T Sawkmie told reporters after meeting the chief minister, Conrad K Sangma here on Friday.
Stating that Mawlai constitute one of the largest areas in the city with a unique combination of urban and rural settlements, Sawkmie said, “Only a civil sub-division can do justice to ensure balanced and equitable development and bridge the gap between the two.”
Justifying his demand, he said according to the 2011 census, the population of Mawlai was 64,021 and at present, the population of the constituency is around 80,000 approximately besides it has a total number of 43,000 voters in the 2018 election.
The MLA further pointed out that the constituency is also expanding as people from various parts of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills have come and settled and that many new villages are coming up.
“Therefore, proper infrastructure, proper road connectivity, water supply and electricity is very much needed,” he said while adding that creation of the civil sub-division will also address the unemployment problem faced by educated unemployed youth.
Sawkmie also recalled that when he had raised the issue on whether the government is planning to create more civil sub-divisions in the floor of the Assembly, the reply given was positive and it will be done at an appropriate time.
Asked, the Mawlai MLA said that the chief minister has assured him that a survey would immediately be conducted to study whether feasibility of the proposal.
Earlier his colleague, Mawsynram legislator Himalaya M Shangpliang had also made a similar demand for the government to grant a civil sub-division for the constituency on ground that it was a long pending aspiration of the people for the past 15 years.
It may be mentioned here that senior Congress leader and five-time Ranikor MLA Martin M Danggo had also announced that he would resign from the party to join the ruling National People’s Party once the civil sub-division in Ranikor is inaugurated.
Reacting to a query, Sawkmie however maintained that he is not a “bargaining politician” and today’s demand was part of his role as an elected representative of the people of the constituency.
“I am not a bargaining politician but I will fight both inside and outside (the house) for the people because it is also the duty of the chief minister to look after interest and welfare of the people of the state,” he said.
The opposition chief whip further alleged that the Ranikor MLA’s political carreer will be affected if he is taking a hasty decision on the matter. “Why do we need to rush when we have been elected not for only 100 days,” Sawkmie said while adding that he would give time to the government to examine and consider his proposal for a new civil sub-division.
By Our Reporter
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