- Parent Category: 2018
- Category: March 2018 issue
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PRIORITIES IN BUDGET
PRIORITIES IN BUDGET
NOT THE FIRST TIME
Speeches made in the regional language of Khasi in the legislative assembly is not the first time, when Ampareen Lyngdoh of the Congress from Laitumkhrah and Adelbert Nongrum of the Khun Hynniewtrep NationalAwakening Movement (KHNAM) from Mawkhar North Shillong, spoke in Khasi, which is an Associated official language in Meghalaya besides Garo language. It was in the year 1978, that Dominic Roblin Nongkynrih, the legislator, from Nongkrem used Khasi in his deliberation in the Assembly, when the Speaker was Winstone Syiemiong. The present Speaker Don Kupar Roy had however asked for copies of translations in English for the convenience of non-Khasi members. This time Saleng A. Sangma of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), spoke in Garo, Ampareen had asked for amendment of Rule 28 of the Rules of Conduct in Business of the Assembly, which states that it should be conducted in English.
Add a commentON THE DOT
Conrad K. Sangma, the new Chief Minister, does not believe in excuses and being late. Since day-one he assumed offic,e he is on the dot reaching his office room in the Secretariat at 10.a.m. This has never happened since the state of Meghalaya was created. The office workers can no longer be casual in coming to office, more than one hour late, take their time in chit- chatting, start knitting or calling for an early drink of tea. The Chief Minister himself has set about a work culture and this is said to be the fast catching up among the office staff. The system of blowing the siren to start and stop work has been done away. Discipline in the working of the Government has started from the tables of the staff, which should percolate to the other departments not only in capital Shillong but throughout the state.
Add a commentSMOOTH SAILING
It was smooth sailing for Timothy D. Shira, who was elected Deputy Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly securing 36 votes against Congress opposition, David Nongrum, securing 20 votes. Shira is one who is known to not to give in for defeat. Salseng C. Marak, former Chief Minister was always his main adversary, but Shira did not give up, Shira secured his first win in 2003 and again in 2008. Again he failed but became successful in 2018. What he said he was vanquished many times but never gave up hope. Shira at the age of 68 is mainly a farmer and he still cultivate, sharing his crops as gift to fellow legislators, like rice, pumpkins and other vegetables.
Add a commentWAITING FOR THE DATE
The people specially of Williamnagar in the Garo Hills are anxiously waiting for the announcement of the date for holding elections to the Williamnagar constituency which is still lying vacant, following the killing of the National Congress Party candidate Jonathone N. Sangma in a blast, few days before the elections. People of Williamnagar have come to a conclusion, that the wife of Jonathone should come forward and take up the challenge, although she has no background in the political field. Krinilla R. Marak after initial hesitations has at last agreed to give an answer against the bullet with the ballot.Though she is the mother of three children, she is now determined to come out openly. The housewife turned politician is expected to fight it out specially for the cause of justice and against the insurgent activities and elements in the Garo Hills.
Add a commentTHE NEW HOUSE
The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly has for years together held its session in borrowed buildings such as the State Central Library which is meant to house public functions, specially related to cultural activities. The sessions have however been shifted to Rilbong. This has come about following the original building at Khyndai lad in the centre-point of the state capital being razed to the ground in a fire more than a decade ago. The State Government however, did not take up reconstruction, when many excuses were given including non-availability of land. Meghalaya is the only state in India, which till today do not have an assembly building, which is something disgraceful. However with the installation of the new present Government, the Speaker, Don Kupar Roy has assured, that this is one of the priorities of the Government in having a new house. New members of the High Power Committee have been announced with the task of going ahead with this important job.
Add a commentSLIP OF TOUNGE
The Governor of Meghalaya Ganga Prasad, had not made a slip of tongue when he addressed the budget session of the legislative in Hindi but had chosen to speak in Hindi because of his wish whatever being the reason, best known to him. The Governor had therefore created a precedent and at the same time scripted history in the 46 years, since the Assembly came into being. The first walk out in the first day of the budget session was made by Ampareen Lyngdoh Congress member from Laitumkhrah East Shillong as a mark of protest against the Hindi speech of the Governor. The Legislator from Mawlai P.T. Sawkmie was also vocal in raising the protest. KHNAM representative from Mawkhar Adelbert Nongrum, said he would speak in Khasi. As Khasi and Garo are associate official languages in the state, the Speaker Don Kupar Roy, clarified that they can do so, provided translated versions are made available before hand.
Add a commentTAKING A RISK
The former Chief Minister, Mukul Sangma for the first time in the electoral history of Meghalaya had contested from two seats and winning both, that is his home constituency Ampati and Songsak. It is in Ampati , that he had a big win by a margin of more than eight thousand votes, while in Songsak it was just only a little over one thousand votes. However, Mukul Sangma is taking a risk, resigning from Ampati and to contest again from Songsak, the reason being to see that his daughter, Miani Shira is elected from Ampati. However this is the wish of the family, as his wife, Dikkanchi Shira has already been elected from Mahendraganj. The battle in Somgsak, is therefore a do or die affair as Nihim D. Shira of the National Peoples Party, would surely give a tough fight, although all within the family they belong to the Shira clan. Taking into account clanwise, the Shira factor would go against Mukul Sangma. However Mukul Sangma has plunged into a risky affair, sacrificing himself for the sake of his daughter.
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