Assembly Questions, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly

MEGHALAYA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

RE-ASSEMBLED BUDGET SESSION

STARRED

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Monday, the 23^rd June, 2003

Number of Plumbers

Shri ARDHENDU CHAUDHURI		Shri F. LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Urban Affairs)
*1. Will the Minister in-charge, Municipal Administration be pleased to state:-
(a) The total number of plumbers employed in the Shillong Municipal Office?		(a) Sir, no plumbers have been employed in the Shillong Municipal Board. However 6 (six) Fitters, 24 (twenty-four) Key man and 48 (forty-eight) Mazdoors are employed for maintaining the source and water-lines.
(b) What are the duties of Municipal plumbers?		(b) The duties of the Municipal fitters are (i) to check the main source and cleaning the same; (ii) to maintain the distribution lines and attend repair works; (iii) to identify and authorize private water connection allowed by the Board from the distribution points.
(c) Whether the Shillong Municipality is issuing license to the private plumbers?		(c) Yes, Sir.
(d) If so, the duties of the private plumbers?		(d) The duties of the private plumbers are to execute the private works of water connections, laying of private pipelines up to the distribution point as well as can undertake internal plumbing works.

L.P. Schools

Shri CYPRIAN R. SANGMA		Shri K.K. DKHAR (Minister in-charge, Elementary and Mass Education)
*2. Will the Minister in-charge, Elementary and Mass Education be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether it is a fact that many of the L.P. Schools in the State are having only single teacher?		(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) If the answer is in affirmative, the number of such Schools?		(b) The total number of such Schools is 924.
(c) Whether the Government is taking any step to provide additional teachers for such Schools?		(c) Yes, Sir.
(d) If so, the details thereof?		(d) The policy of the Government is to provide a 2nd teacher in all the Single Teacher Schools in the State as and when funds are available for the purpose. Steps are also being taken to transfer and redeploy the teachers from those schools having excess number of teachers and low enrollment.

On-Line Lottery

Shri T.H. RANGAD		Dr. MUKUL SANGMA (Minister in-charge, Taxation, etc.)
*3. Will the Minister in-charge, Taxation etc. be pleased to state:-
(a) What has been the revenue collection form the On-Line Lottery till date?		(a) (1) Rs.9.00 crores towards Guaranteed profit for the first 3 instalments as per Agreement.
		(2) Rs.15 lakhs towards amount of prize money forfeited.
(b) Whether the revenue is being paid as per agreement?		(b) Yes, Sir.

S.R.D.P. Schemes

Shri M. RAVA		Shri D.D. LAPANG (Chief Minister)
*4. Will the Chief Minister be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether it is a fact that the schemes of Chief Minister's S.R.D.P. 2002-2003 which were approved by the former Chief Minister but not released before election, the same has been drastically cut down to the margin of Rs.5 lakhs to each M.L.A.?		(a) No, Sir. No Schemes under CMSRDF 2002-03 had been approved by the former Chief Minister.
(b) Whether the amount under that scheme is allotted equally to ruling party MLAs and opposition MLAs? (c) If not, why the difference was made between the ruling Party and opposition parties?		(b) & (c) Sir, the amount allotted to MLAs during 2000-02 varied from Rs.6 lakhs to Rs.10 lakhs. During 2001-02, varied from Rs.5 lakhs to 8 lakhs. The allocation of fund is at the discretion of the Chief Minister as per Guidelines.
(d) The detail statements of the scheme of last 3 years with names of respective MLAs?		(d) The Schemes has been implemented for only 2 years and a Statement is placed on the table of the House.
(e) Whether full amount of the scheme is utilised every year?		(e) Due to Election Code of Conduct, the amount under the scheme for 2001-02 has not been fully utilised in full.
(f) If not, where did the un-utilised amount goes?		(f) The balance amount of 2001-02 is under process for utilization.

STATEMENT :-
LIST OF MLAS -------------------------SUBMITTED PROPOSALS ------
SL. No.	Name of M.L.A. & Constituency	Amount	Letter No. & Date (Appeared -----)
	EAST KHASI HILLS
1.	Shri P.T. Sawkmie, 23 - Mawlai.	8,00,000/-	No.CDME,117/2002/12, dt. 12-8-2002.
2.	Shri John Anthony Lyngdoh 13 - Nongspung.	7,00,000/-	- do-
3.	Shri Rain Augustine Lyngdoh 14 - Sohiong.	6,00,000/-	- do -
4.	Shri Sanbor Swell Lyngdoh - 24 Sohryngkham.	8,00,000/-	- do -
5.	Shri P.M. Syiem, 15 - -Mylliem.	7,00,000/-	- do -
6.	Shri M. N. Mukhim, 25 - Dienglieng.	8,00,000/-	No.CDME,117/2002/4, dt. 1-11-2002
7.	Shri E. R. Kharkongor, 26 - Nongkrem.	6,00,000/-	No. CDME,117/2002/12, dt. 12-8-2002
8.	Shri B. B. Lyngdoh, 27 - Lyngkyrdem.	10,00,000/-	- do -
9.	Shri Khan Khongdkhar, 28 - Nongshken.	7,00,000/-	- do -
10.	Shri Dr. F. A. Khonglam, 29 - Sohra.	8,00,000/-	- do -
11.	Shri Dr. Donkupar Roy, 30 - Shella.	6,00,000/-	- do -
12.	Shri P.P. Iangjuh, 31 - Mawsymram.	8,00,000/-	- do -
	WEST KHASI HILLS
13.	Shri B.B. Nongsiej, 31 - Mawkyrwat.	6,00,000/-	- do -
14.	Shri H. S. Lyngdoh, 34 - Nongstoin.	8,00,000/-	- do -
15.	Shri Rasoi Rani, 12 - Mairang.	6,00,000/-	- do -
16.	Shri Tubarlin Lyngdoh, Nonglait, 33 - Pariong.	7,00,000/-	- do -
17.	Shri Martin M. Danggo, 35 - Langrin.	6,00,000/-	- do -
18.	Smti. Maysalin War, 36 - Mawthangkut.	7,00,000/-	- do-
	RI-BHOI DISTRCIT
19.	Shri P.W. Muktieh, 8 - Mawhati.	6,00,000/-	- do -
20.	Shri J.D. Rymbai, 11 - Jirang.	8,00,000/-	- do -
21.	Shri E. K. Mawlong, 9 - Umroi.	8,00,000/-	- do -
22.	Shri D. D. Lapang, 10 - Nongpoh.	8,00,000/-	- do -
	JAINTIA HILLS
23.	Shri O.N. Chyrmang, 3 - Sutnga Shengpung.	6,00,000/-	No.CDME,117/2002/12, dt. 12-8-2002
24.	Shri H. B. Dan, 5 - Nartiang.	8,00,000/-	- do -
25.	Shri K. Susngi, 6 - War Jaintia.	7,00,000/-	- do -
26.	Shri R. L. Tariang, 1 - War Jaintia	7,00,000/-	- do -
27.	Shri S. Siangshai, 2 - Rymbai.	6,00,000/-	No.CDME,117/2002/12, dt. 12-8-2002
28.	Shri M. Suchiang, 4 - Raliang.		No.CDME,117/2002/12, dt. 12-8-2002
	EAST GARO HILLS
29.	Shri S. C. Marak, 42 - Resubelpara.	8,00,000/-	- do -
30.	Shri C. B. Marak, 44 - Bajengdoba.	8,00,000/-	- do -
31.	Shri Sujit Sangma, 39 - Rongjeng.	7,00,000/-	- do -
32.	Shri E. D. Marak, 40 - Kharkutta.	8,00,000/-	- do -
33.	Shri F. W. Momin, 41 - Mendipathar.	7,00,000/-	- do -
34.	Shri T. N. Marak, 43 - Songsak.	7,00,000/-	- do -
	WEST GARO HILLS		- do -
35.	Shri A. T. Mondal, 48 - Phulbari.	6,00,000/-	- do -
36.	Shri C. R. Sangma, 50, - Selsella.	6,00,000/-	- do -
37.	Shri M. R. Marak, 51 - Rongram.	6,00,000/-	- do -
38.	Shri Brening Sangma, 54 - Kherapara.	6,00,000/-	- do -
39	Shri A.L.H.R. Marak, 57 - Rangsakona.	7,00,000/-	- do -
40.	Shri N. Momin, 59 - Salmanpara.	6,00,000/-	- do -
41.	Shri M. Rava, 45 - Tikrikilla.	7,00,000/-	- do -
42.	Shri Augustine Marak, 46 - Dadenggiri.	7,00,000/-	- do -
43.	Shri Beckstar Sangma, 47 - Rongchugiri.	7,00,000/-	- do -
44.	Shri K. C. Boro, 49 - Rajabala.	6,00,000/-	- do -
45.	Shri N. Simchang, 55 - Dalu.	7,00,000/-	- do -
46.	Shri A. K. Sangma, 56 - Dalamgre.	8,00,000/-	- do -
47.	Shri Dr. Mukul Sangma, 58 - Ampatigiri.	7,00,000/-	- do -
48.	Shri Abdul Saleh, 60 - Mahendraganj.	6,00,000/-	No.CDME,117/2002/12, dt. 12-8-2002
	SOUTH GARO HILLS
49.	Shri L. A. Sangma, 37 - Baghmara.	8,00,000/-	- do -
50.	Shri Clifford R. Marak, 53 - Chokpot.	7,00,000/-	- do -
	Grand Total -	Rs. 3,53,00,000/-
	CHIEF MINISTERS SPECIAL RURAL DEVELOPMENT FUND 2001 - 2002
Sl. No	Name of M.L.A. & Constituency	Amount	Letter No. & Date
	EAST KHASI HILLS		.
1.	Shri John Anthony Lyngdoh, 13 - Nongspung.	5,00,000	Sent to DC vide No. CDME, 17/02/14, dt. 5-12-2002.
2.	Shri Rain Augustine Lyngdoh, 14 - Sohiong.	5,00,000	No.CDME, 17/02/14, dt. 5-12-2002.
3.	Shri Pynshai M. Syiem, 15 - Mylliem.	5,00,000	No. CDME, 252/02/03, dt. 6-1-2003.
4.	Shri Process T. Sawkmie, 23 - Mawlai.	5,00,000	No. CDME, 17/02/14, dt. 5-12-2002.
5.	Shri Sanbor Swell Lyngdoh, 24- Sohryngkham	6,00,000	No. CDME, 289/02/2, dt. 6-1-2003.
6.	Shri Martle M. Mulhim, 25 - Dienglieng.	5,00,000	No. CDME, 17/02/14, dt. 5-12-2003.
7.	Shri Elston Roy Kharkongor, 26-Nongkrem.	5,00,000	No. CDME,250/02/3, dt. 20-12-2003.
8.	Shri B. B. Lyngdoh, 27- Langkyrdem.	8,00,000	No. CDME,280/02/4, dt. 6-1-2003.
9.	Shri Khan Khongdkhar, 28- Nongshken.	5,00,000	No. CDME,275/02/2, dt. 6-1-2003.
10.	Dr. Flinder Anderson Khonglam, 29- Sohra.	6,00,000	Approved CDME,270/02/5, dt. 10-1-2003.
11.	Dr. Donkupar Roy, 30 - Shella.	5,00,000	Sent to DC vide, No.CDME. 284/02/4,dt.6-1-2003
12.	Shri Planslanding Iangjuh, 31-Mawsynrem.	5,00,000	Approved CDME, 286/02/3, dt. 10-1-2003.
	WEST KHASI HILLS
13.	Rasoi Rani, 12 - Mairang.	5,00,000	Sent to DC vide No.CDME, 255/02/2, dt 6-1-2003.
14.	B. Bires Nongsiej, 32 - Mawkyrwat.	5,00,000	No. CDME,275/02/2, dt. 17/02/14 dt. 5-12-2002.
15.	Tuberlin Lyngdoh, 33 - Pariong.	5,00,000	No. CDME, 256/02/3, dt. 20-12-2003.
16.	H.S. Lyngdoh, 34 - Nongstoin.	5,00,000	No. CDME, 17/02/14 dt.5-12-2002.
17.	Martin M. Danggo, 35 - Langrin.	5,00,000	No. CDME, 17/02/__ dt. 5-12-2002.
18.	Maysalin War, 36 - Mawthengkut.	5,00,000(missing)
	RI-BHOI
19.	Phingwell Muktieh, 8 - Mawhati.	5,00,000	Sent to DC vide No. CDME, 17/02/14, dt. 5-12-2002.
20.	E. K Mawlong, 9 - Umroi.	5,00,000	No. CDME, 17/02/14, dt. 5-12-2002.
21.	D.D. Lapang, 10 - Nongpoh.	***No prepaid received
22.	J. D. Rymbai, 11 - Jirang.	5,00,000	No. CDME. 17/02/14, dt. 5-12-2002.
	JAINTIA HILLS
23.	Shri Riang Lenon Tariang, 1-War Jaintia.	********.	Sent to DC vide No. CDME, 17/02/14. dt. 5-12-2002.
24.	Shri Simon Siangshai, 2- Rymbai.	6,00,000	No. CDME, 285/02/6, dt.6-1-2003.
25.	Shri Oliverneat Chyrmang, 34- Sutnga-Shangpung,	5,00,000	No. CDME. 269/02/2, dt.19-12-2002.
26.	Shri. Mihsalan Suchiang, 4- Raliang.	5,00,000	No. CDME. 17/02/14, dt.5-12-2002.
27.	Shri. H. Britanwar Dan, 5- Nartiang.	5,00,000	No. CDME. 17/02/14 dt. 5-12-2002.
28.	Shri. Kyrmen Susngi, 6-Nongpoh - Wahiajer	5,00,000	No. CDME. 273/02/3, dt. 6-1-2003.
	EAST GARO HILLS
29.	Shri Sujit Sangma, 39 - Rongjeng.	5,00,000	No.CDME. 261/02/3, dt. 20-12-2003.
30.	Shri Elstone D. Marak, 40 - Kharkutta.	5,00,000	No. CDME. 17/02/14, dt. 5-12-2002.
31.	Shri Frankenstain W. Momin, 41 - Mendipathar.	5,00,000	No. CDME. 283/02/2, dt. 6-1-2003.
32.	Shri Selseng C. Marak, 42 - Resubelpara.	5,00,000	No. CDME. 272/02/3 dt. 6-1-2003.
33.	Shri Tonsing N. Marak, 43 - Songsak.	No proposal received.	No. CDME. 272/02/4 dt. 6-1-2003.
34.	Shri Shamberline R. Marak, 44 - Bajengdobe.	5,00,000	No. CDME. 279/02/2, dt. 6-1-2003.
	WEST GARO HILLS
35.	Shri Augustine Marak, 46 - Dadengiri.	------	---------
36.	Shri Becstar Sangma, 47 - Rongchugiri.		Sent to DC No. CDME. 17/02/14, dt. 5-12-2002.
37.	Shri Adu Taher Mondal, 48 - Phulbari.	5,00,000	----------
38.	Shri Kepin Ch. Boro, 49 - Rajabala.	5,00,000	No. CDME. 17/02/14, dt. 5-12-2002.
39.	Shri C. R. Sangma, 50, - Selsella.	5,00,000	No. CDME. 17/02/14, dt. 5-12-2002.
40.	Shri M. R. Marak, 51 - Rongram.	5,00,000	No. CDME. 17/02/14, dt. 5-12-2002.
41.	Shri Brening Sangma, 54 - Kherapara	5,00,000	No. CDME. 282/02/2, dt. 6-1-2003.
42.	Shri N. Simchang, 55 - Dalu.	--------	-------
43.	Shri A. K. Sangma, 56 - Dalamgre.	5,00,000	No. CDME. 262/02/4, dt. 6-1-2003.
44.	Shri A.L.H.R. Marak, 57 - Rangsakona.	------	-------
45.	Shri Dr. Mukul Sangma, 58 - Ampatigiri.	5,00,000	-------
46.	Shri N. Momin, 59 - Salmanpara.	5,00,000	Sent to DC No. CDME. 17/02/14, dt 5-12-2002
47.	Shri Abdul Saleh, 60 - Mahendraganj.	5,00,000	No. CDME. 17/02/14, dt. 5-12-2002.
48.	Shri M. Rava, 45 - Tikrikilla.	5,00,000	No. CDME. 279/02/2, dt. 6-1-2003.
	SOUTH GARO HILLS
49.	Shri L. A. Sangma, 37 - Baghmara.	5,00,000	Sent to DC vide No CDME. 249/02/2, dt. 20-12-2002.
50.	Shri Clifford R. Marak, 53 - Chokpot.	5,00,000	No. CDME. 17/02/14, dt. 5-12-2002.
________________________________________________________________________
Grand Total :- Rs.2,21,00,000/-

Range Office

Shri BRENING A. SANGMA		Shri P. W. MUKTIEH (Minister, Soil Conservation)
*5. Will the Minister in-charge, Soil Conservation be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether it is a fact that the Machangpani Soil Conservation Range Office is not functioning?		(a) No, Sir.
(b) If answer is in negative, the reasons for not properly maintaining the office and its departmental plantation like Cachewnut, Coffee and Rubber?		(b) The Office and the plantations are being maintained according to fund availability.
(c) What was the total area of land acquired by the Department?		(c) Nil, Sir.

Toll Gate

Shri CYPRIAN R. SANGMA		Shri H.D.R. LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Horticulture)
*6. Will the Minister in-charge, Agriculture be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether the Government is aware that there is a toll gate of Agriculture Marketing Board at Garobadha?		(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) If the answer to (a) above is in affirmative, since when this toll gate is made functional?		(b) The Meghalaya State Agricultural Marketing Board check gate at Garobadha was made functional form 19th January, 1998, Sir.
(c) What are the types of goods being taxed at the gate?		(c) Fees are levied on the notified "Agricultural Produce".

Sarva Shiksha Abiyan

Shri CYPRIAN R. SANGMA		Shri K.K. DKHAR (Minister in-charge, Elementary and Mass Education)
*7. Will the Minister in-charge, Elementary and Mass Education be pleased to state:-
(a) What is the progress of the Sarva Shiksha Abiyan programme in the State?		(a) Sir, the progress of SSA in the State is as follows:-
	1.	The SSA State Mission Authority of Meghalaya (SSASMAM) has been duly constituted as a Registered Society with the Chief Minister as the President and the Minister Elementary & Mass Education as the Vice President of its Governing Body.
	2.	The Executive Committee to administer the affairs of SSASMAM has also been constituted with the Chief Secretary, Meghalaya as Chairman and Principal Secretary, Education Department as Vice-Chairman.
	3.	The District Units of the State Mission Authority have also been set up in all the Districts of the State under the Chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner.
	4.	Block Level Units, Cluster Resource Centres and Village Education Committees are also being constituted by the District Units of the State Mission Authority.
	5.	For the year 2001-2002 :-
		667 L.P. Schools have been provided grants-in-aid for teacher's salary. 272 L.P. Schools have been upgraded to U.P. School level. Each L.P. Schools is being provided teaching and learning equipment @ rs.10,000/- per school. Each U.P. School under SSA is being provided teaching and learning equipments @ Rs.50,000/- per school. Each School is being given school grant of Rs.2,000/- for repair and maintenance of school equipment. Each teacher is being provided Rs.500/- per annum for purchase of low cost teaching aids. New teachers and existing teachers are being given 10 days in -service training. Building grants @ Rs.2.50 lakhs per new SSA U.P. School. Repair grants @ Rs.5,000/- per L.P. School. Toilet facilities @ Rs.20,000/- per L.P. School.
	6.	For the year 2002-2003:-
		The recurring grants sanctioned for the year 2001-2002 are being continued. An amount of Rs.82.72 lakhs has been sanctioned for Early Childhood Care and Education. An amount of Rs.58.70 lakhs has been sanctioned for repair of 1174 schools buildings at Rs.5000/- per school.
	7.	For the year 2003-2004, the Annual Working Plan and Budget has been prepared.
(b) How many villages will be covered under this scheme?		(b) The SSA aims to provide schooling facilities to all children in the State through formal schools in viable villages and alternative schooling facilities in unviable villages. This will be done in a phased manner.
(c) What is the amount allotted by the Central Government?		(c) The Government of India has released an amount of Rs.7956.27 lakhs during 2001-2002 and Rs.711.37 lakhs during 2002-2003.

IAY Schemes

Shri M. RAVA		Shri J.D. RYMBAI (Minister in-charge, Community & Rural Development)
*8. Will the Chief Minister be pleased to state:-
(a) How many IAY schemes have been implemented in the State from the beginning of the scheme upto 2002?		(a) Sir, the number of IAY schemes implemented in the State since the beginning of the Scheme upto 2002 is as follows : (i) IAY (New Construction) - 9545 Nos. (ii) IAY (Up-gradation) - 3743 Nos.
(b) When the IAY scheme started?		(b) The Scheme was started during 1996-97, Sir.
(c) Details of such schemes Block wise?		(c) Information being collected, Sir.

Veterinary Aid Centre

Shri BRENING A. SANGMA		Shri D.P. IANGJUH (Minister in-charge, A.H. & Veterinary)
*9. Will the Minister in-charge, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry be pleased to state:-
(a) When was the Veterinary Aid Centre at Ruga, South Garo Hills completed?		(a) In the year 1994.
(b) Whether any staff had been appointed to the said Aid Centre?		(b) No posts have been specifically sanctioned for the Aid Centre.

Baljek Airport

Shri ARDHENDU CHAUDHURI		Shri MANIRUL ISLAM SARKAR (Minister in-charge, Transport)
*10. Will the Minister in-charge, Transport be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether Baljek Airport is ready for operation of flights?		(a) No, Sir.
(b) If not, when the airport is likely to be ready?		(b) The Airport will be ready only when the works relating to its construction and functioning are completed, Sir.
(c) Whether the transformer meant to supply power from the nearest grid has been procured and installed?		(c) No, Sir.
(d) If not, the reasons thereof?		(d) The matter is under process.

PWD Act

Shri T.H. RANGAD		Shri J.A. LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Social Welfare)
*11. Will the Minister in-charge Health be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether the PWD Act 1995 has been implemented in the State?		(a) Sir, it has been implemented partially.
(b) If not the reasons thereof?		(b) Steps are being taken to implement all provisions.

Block Schemes

Shri M. RAVA		Shri J.D. RYMBAI (Minister in-charge, Community & Rural Development)
*12. Will the Minister in-charge Community & Rural Development be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether self-help scheme which is meant for women folk been implemented in the State?		(a) Sir, the Department is not aware of any scheme by the name of Self Help Scheme for women.
(b) If so, in how many Blocks the scheme has been implemented?		(b) Does not arise in view of (a) above.
(c) The total numbers of self-help schemes?		(c) Does not arise in view of (a) above.
(d) Whether all the Schemes are found successful?		(d) Does not arise in view of (a) above.
(e) If the scheme is not implemented, the reasons thereof?		(e) Does not arise in view of (a) above.

Dimapara Road

Shri BRENING A. SANGMA		Dr. MUKUL SANGMA [Minister in-charge, Public Works (Roads)]
*13. Will the Minister in-charge, Public Works (Roads) be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether it is a fact that Deku to Dimapara road had not been completed?		(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) If the answer is in affirmative,		(b)
(i) total length of the road yet to be completed.		(i) Approximately 15 Kms.
(ii) Specific time for completion of the road.		(ii) Specific time for completion of road will depend on the availability of fund.

Balpakram National Park

Shri ARDHENDU CHAUDHURI		Shri SING MULIEH (Minister in-charge Forest & Environment)
*14 Will the Minister in-charge Forest be pleased to state:-
(a) The total area acquired for Balpakram National Park?		(a) Sir, the total area acquired and handed over to the Forest Department as per records is 352 KM²
(b) The amount of compensation paid?		(b) The total amount of compensation paid to the owners inclusive of administrative charges is Rs.580/80 lakh.
(c) At what rate land was acquired?		(c) Rs.1.65 lakh per Sq. KM including administrative charges.
(d) Whether land was acquired on the basis of per sq. ft. or sq. K.M.?		(d) On the basis of per Sq. KM.
(e) Whether Government is aware that there was a discrepancy in the area of land as per notified area and actual area acquired?		(e) Government is aware of the allegations about the discrepancy.

Marketing Board

Shri CYPRIAN R. SANGMA		Shri H.D.R. LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Horticulture)
*15. Will the Minister in-charge, Agriculture be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether Agriculture Marketing Board at Garobadha is made functional?		(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) If not, the reason thereof?		(b) Does not arise in view of (a) above.

Handicapped People

Shri T.H. RANGAD		Shri J.A. LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Social Welfare)
*16. Will the Minister in-charge Health be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether the State Government recognizes that there are many physically and mentally challenged or handicapped people in the State?		(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) What action is being taken to give them relief?		(b) Government gives Scholarship, conveyance allowance, book grants, uniform grant to disabled children and unemployment allowances and prosthetic aids to disabled persons. District Rehabilitation Centres have been established at Shillong and Tura.
(c) Does the State Government make facilities for them in public places?		(c) Concerned Departments have been requested to provide facilities for disabled persons in new buildings (ramp and disabled friendly toilet).

BDC/BSC Members

Shri M. RAVA		Shri J.D. RYMBAI (Minister in-charge, Community & Rural Development)
*17. Will the Minister in-charge Community & Rural Development be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether it is a fact that the Government has authorised the non MLAs party workers of ruling group to select the BDC and BSC members of Development Blocks from where the Opposition MLAs represents?		(a) No, Sir.
(b) If so, under what rules and procedures of the Community & Rural Development Department selection has been done?		(b) Does not arise, Sir.
(c) If the sitting MLAs have no right to select the BDC and BSC members of their respective Development Blocks, then whether the present Government is following the undemocratic process?		(c) Government is adhering strictly the relevant guidelines in the matter.

Rimrangra Road

Shri BRENING A. SANGMA		Dr. MUKUL SANGMA [Minister in-charge, Public Works (Roads)]
*18. Will the Minister in-charge, Public Works (Roads) be pleased to state:-
(a) What are the Nos. of K.Ms. not Motorable on Josipara to Kherapara via Rimrangra Road?		(a) Approximately 10 Kms. Sir. (6th to 15th K.M.)
(b) Whether any proposals had been submitted for re-construction or improvement?		(b) Yes, Sir.

Coal Depot

Shri P.G. MOMIN		Smti DEBORAH C. MARAK (Minister, Mining & Geology)
*19. Will the Minister in-charge, Mining & Geology be pleased to state:-
(a) What were the objectives for construction of coal depot at Jorabat?		(a) Sir, the Depot was constructed to : (i) provide storage facility to Meghalaya Coal trading through G.S. Road.
		(ii) promote trading of coal extracted mainly from Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills.
		(iii) generate commercial and economic activities in the area.
		(iv) generate regular income to the Corporation.
(b) When it was constructed and made operational?		(b) The Depot was constructed during the period from August, 1993 to October 1999. It was made operational on 6.12.1999.
(c) Amount for expenditure incurred for acquisition of land and construction of depot?		(c) The amount incurred for :- (i) acquisition of land - Rs.97.07 lacs.
		(ii) construction of Depot - Rs.328.23 lacs.
(d) The annual loss of revenue to the Government which normally would have accrued from sales and other taxes if the depot was operational?		(d) Royalty is being realised by the Mining and Geology Department. Hence, there is no loss on this account.

Food Licenses

Shri CYPRIAN R. SANGMA		Shri B.G. MOMIN (Minister in-charge, Health and Family Welfare)
*20. Will the Minister in-charge, Health and Family Welfare be pleased to state:-
(a) The total number of food licenses issued to hotels, restaurants, fast food centres, teashops, wine stores, etc. in the State till date?		(a) Sir, a total of 860 licenses have been issued as per available records.
(b) The number of violators of Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules in the State capital?		(b) At present, there are 72 nos. of cases pertaining to the State capital pending in the court under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act.
(c) Whether the rules applies to roadside vendors/hawkers etc.		(c) Yes, Sir.

Assembly Building

Shri T.H. RANGAD		Shri H.D.R. LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge GAD)
*21. Will the Chief Minister be pleased to state:-
(a) When will the reconstruction of the Assembly Building commence?		(a) Sir, the Scheme for reconstruction of the Assembly building is under process. The commencement of the work will start as soon as all procedural formalities are completed.
(b) What is the authorised Department assigned the job of supervising the same?		(b) General Administration Department is the Administrative Department. The construction work will be supervised by PWD (Buildings) Department, Sir.
(c) Who/Which Firm has been allotted the work?		(c) Does not arise in view of (a) above.

Old age Pension

Shri M. RAVA		Shri J.D. RYMBAI (Minister in-charge, Community & Rural Development)
*22. Will the Minister in-charge Community & Rural Development be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether the old age pension is implemented in the State?		(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) If yes, the number of beneficiaries for the last 3 years Blockwise?		(b) The number of beneficiaries for the last 3 years was as follows:-
		18,848 during 2000-2001
		32686 during 2001-2002 and
		26531 during 2002-2003.
		Block-wise information is being collected, Sir.

Inspectors of Schools

Shri BRENING A. SANGMA		Shri K.K. DKHAR (Minister in-charge, Elementary and Mass Education)
*23. Will the Minister in-charge, Elementary and Mass Education be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether it is a fact that the office of the Deputy Inspector of Schools at Tura, Dadenggiri, Ampati and Resubelpara Civil Sub-Divisions are functioning without Deputy Inspector of Schools?		(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) If the answer is in affirmative, the reasons thereof?		(b) The process of promoting the next lower level of Officers to the level of Deputy Inspector of Schools took time due to procedural difficulties which have now been sorted out.

S.B.I. Branch

Shri CYPRIAN R. SANGMA		Shri D.D. LAPANG (Chief Minister)
*24. Will the Minister in-charge, Finance be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether it is a fact that the S.B.I. Branch at Garobadha has been closed down recently?		(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) If the answer to (a) above is in affirmative the reason thereof?		(b) Due to extortion demand received by the Bank, it has temporarily closed the functioning of the Garobadha Branch and will review the arrangement after sometime, Sir.

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