Shillong, April 10: The Assembly Estimates Committee (AEC) has asked the state government to take steps for early completion of the high-speed internet connectivity project even as it welcomed completion of the IT Park at Umsawli, New Shillong.
“We are happy to observe that the IT Park has been completed and we hope that it will serve the purpose of addressing the unemployment issue of the region,” the AEC chairman Mayralborn Syiem told reporters after a review meeting with IT department officials.
Informing about the internet connectivity project, he said, “We have also discussed the status of initiatives taken by the government with regards to last mile connectivity, which is the dream and aspiration of the Chief Minister.”
He expressed optimism about the high-speed internet connectivity, saying the project is in its final stages and will soon be operational in parts of the state.
“This initiative will really transform the future of the state,” he said.
“Every citizen, especially students and entrepreneurs, needs high-speed internet,” he said.
Smart classrooms too need high-speed internet, he stressed.
The committee has urged the government to expedite the project, saying it will benefit the people at large.
“We have made an observation that this also has to be put on fast track so that it will benefit the people at large,” Syiem said.
Mission Education to benefit rural students
Meanwhile, the AEC expressed optimism that the upgradation of school buildings under Mission Education will benefit students in Meghalaya, particularly in rural areas.
“We have discussed thoroughly about the implementation of the construction of various components within various model colleges… and other institutions,” Syiem said after AEC’s review of Education department initiatives.
Hailing the “positive inputs” about Mission Education, he said hundreds of lower primary, upper primary and secondary schools are being upgraded under the initiative.
Asserting that the upgradation will make the schools child-friendly and eco-friendly, Syiem said this will ensure good education for children from poor families.
The committee also reviewed projects under the PWD and PHE departments, instructing them to expedite implementation.
“We have discussed and instructed the department to do as soon as possible so that the projects can be completed in due course of time,” Syiem said.
