Shillong, Apr 3: In a step further towards recognising the demand for setting up a winter capital at Tura, the state government has constituted an all-party committee to study the matter and submit a report on feasibility of the proposal.
“The Governor of Meghalaya is pleased to constitute an All Party Committee comprising recognized and registered political parties to discuss matter related to establishment of Winter Capital at Tura,” stated an official notification issued by chief secretary DP Wahlang.
It will be led by chief minister Conrad K Sangma or by a minister to be nominated by the chief minister.
All political parties have been requested to depute two representatives for the committee.
During deliberations of the committee, government departments related to the matter shall be invited, according to the notification.
“The terms of reference will be to study and examine the feasibility of setting up of winter capital at Tura and examine the advantage and disadvantage of having two state capitals based on the demands made by various NGOs, civil societies, etc.,” the notification said.
“The committee will seek views of all stakeholders concerned and submit report to the state government,” it added.
In the assembly session held in March this year, chief minister Conrad K Sangma has assured the Opposition of constituting an all-party committee to study the demand for setting up a winter capital at Tura.
While leader of opposition Mukul Sangma moved a resolution in this regard, he withdrew it due to a “technical issue” cited by the chief minister.
Before withdrawing the resolution, Mukul said, “The way I had scripted the resolution, it was in a manner we all agree and I am successful in that.”
“I can read between lines of what you (CM) are trying to do. It is a commitment to proceed. I am pleased to withdraw and seek leave of the House to withdraw the resolution,” he added.
