Govt aims to launch Umling Facilitation Centre before Christmas
Shillong, Aug 26: The state government has decided to form an independent fact-finding committee to examine complaints regarding a public hearing for a cement plant and ordered status quo on all works related to the plant.
The decision was taken during Wednesday’s talks, between the government and Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) representatives, held in the wake of the August-19 violence in Shillong.
The meeting was convened to discuss the KSU’s five-point agenda, including the matter related to the controversial public hearing of Shree Cement in East Jaintia Hills.
The committee shall look into the hearing process, stakeholder participation and environmental concerns of the public hearing.
“All further work at the site will remain on hold until the committee submits its findings, Sangma said.
Referring to KSU’s demand for cancellation of the public hearing of Shree Cemen, he said, “We told them the government has to bring private investment for economic growth. Shree Cement is second largest producer in the country and a very reputed organisation and procedures as per law were conducted.”
The KSU had alleged that some people were stopped from attending, environmental issues were ignored and stakeholders were not consulted in the public hearing.
The meeting also discussed implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), with the government agreeing to expedite the registration of people entering the State from outside.
A technology-based application is being developed to simplify the registration process and create a centralised database.
The government and KSU will also conduct a joint inspection of the Umling Facilitation Centre, with the aim of operationalising it before Christmas. Efforts will continue to identify land for similar centres at other locations.
On the amended Meghalaya Identification, Registration, Safety & Security of Migrant Workers Act, Sangma said the rules have been further clarified across 34 areas, including the powers of officers involved in verification and the use of the CCTNS network for police verification.
The revised system is expected to be rolled out shortly after the concerned officials complete their orientation.
Recruitment reforms
Sangma assured the Union that the State Government would facilitate a meeting with the Union Health Minister so that the issues related to recruitment in NEIGRIHMS could be raised directly.
The State will also provide logistical support, wherever required, for recruitment examinations.
He also said that 19 of the 23 reforms recommended for the Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC) have been implemented, with the remaining four under consideration.
The government will further examine the legal framework to ensure that opportunities in State recruitment can be appropriately aligned with the interests of Meghalaya’s residents, the Chief Minister said.
The KSU has expressed its willingness to continue discussions on the remaining issues from its larger set of demands.
“As a Government, we remain open to constructive engagement,” Sangma said, adding that the concerns and suggestions of all stakeholders would be considered while working towards solutions that are legally sound and in the larger interest of the people of Meghalaya.
NEIGRIHMS recruitment
On NEIGRIHMS, he said it is an independent institution but the government will facilitate a meeting of KSU with the Union Health Minister and offer logistic support for exams.
On state recruitment reforms, he said, “For Group-D interview is already abolished and for Group-C non-technical posts, interview will be abolished from January 2027. SOPs for DSCs have been cleared.
“Of 23 reforms suggested for MPSC, 19 are implemented, he said, adding the demand to reserve MPSC posts for residents only will be examined by Deputy CM Prestone Tynsong next week to find a legally tenable ground.
The CM said KSU had given 20 points in total and five were discussed on Wednesday, with talks to continue on the remaining.
