Shri A. L. HEK

Dr. MUKUL SANGMA (Minister, Education)

* 1. Will the Minister in-charge, Higher and Technical Education be pleased to state :-

(a) Whether salaries of the Deficit College lecturers has been paid for the past four months i.e. August, September, October and November, 2004?

(a) The salary of Lecturers in Deficit Colleges are paid by the concerned management. However, all the salary bills of Deficit Colleges including the salary bill of December, 2004 received on or before 08/12/2004 have been sanctioned.

(b) If so, when?

(b) The statement is placed on the Table of the House.

(c) If not, the reasons for delay?

(c) Does not arise in view of (a) and (b) above.

Shri E.K. SANGMA

Shri H.D.R. LYNGDOH (Minister in charge, Horticulture)

*3. Will the Minister in charge, Agriculture be pleased to state :-

(a) Whether plantation of tea is economically viable in the State ?

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) The total -

(b)

(i) Area covered by tea plantation so far?

(i) 1044.2 hect.

(ii) Production of green leaves?

(ii) 15,11,298 Kgs.

Shri D.P. IANGJUH

Shri SAYEDULLAH NONGRUM (Minister, Health and Family Welfare)

*4. Will the Minister in charge, Health and Family welfare be pleased to state :-

(a) Since when the construction of Hat Mawdon/Ryngku P.H.C. building has been started?

(b) Whether the construction of all other Quarters has been started?

(a) and (b) The construction of Ryngku P.H.C. along with the Staff Quarters was started in March, 1997, Sir.

(c) Whether the construction of the buildings at (a) and (b) above has been completed?

(c) Yes, Sir.

(d) If so, since when?

(d) In March, 2000, Sir.

(e) If not, the reasons thereof?

(e) Does not arise in view of reply to (d) above.

(f) When will the above mentioned P.H.C. Centre be opened and started functioning?

(f) As and when, the electricity connection is provided.

Shri J.M. MARAK

Smti D. C. MARAK ( Minister in charge, Tourism)

*5. Will the Minister in charge, Tourism be pleased to state :-

(a) Whether the Government is planning to introduce Tourist Circuit at Tura?

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) If so, when?

(b) The India Tourism Development Corporation will be requested to prepare a Detail Project Report for Circuit Development for Tura for obtaining Government of India's assistance.

Shri K. SUSNGI

Dr. DONKUPAR ROY ( Deputy Chief Minister)

*6. Will the Deputy Chief Minister be pleased to state :-

(a) The total number of Jugali employees appointed by the Government during the financial year 2004-05?

(a) No regular jugalis have been appointed, Sir.

(b) The detail break up, District and Department wise?

(b) Does not arise in view of (a) above.

Shri P.T. SAWKMIE

`

Shri S. NONGRUM ( Minister in charge, Secretariat Administration)

*7. Will the Minister in charge, Secretariat Administration be pleased to state :-

(a) Whether it is a fact that the Government had stopped meeting the visitors in every Wednesday?

(a) Sir, with a view to ensure quick disposal of work the Government has issued order to the effect that every Wednesday will be a "NO MEETING" AND "NO VISITORS" DAY.

(b) If so, when?

(b) Sir, the order takes effect from 01/10/2004.

(c) If not, the reason thereof?

(c) Sir, does not arise in view of (a) and (b) above.

Shri E. K. SANGMA

Shri H.D.R. LYNGDOH (Minister in charge, Horticulture)

*8 Will the Minister in charge, Agriculture be pleased to state whether the Government is aware of the grievances being faced by the tea growers of Garo Hills?

Yes, Sir.

Shri D. P. IANGJUH

Shri B. SANGMA (Minister in charge, C & RD)

*9. Will the Minister in charge Community and Rural Development be pleased to state :-

(a) Whether the amount of the Community Development Scheme for the year 2003 - 2004 has been sanctioned and placed the same at the disposal of the respective Deputy Commissioners and Development Blocks?

(a) No, Sir,

(b) If so, since when?

(c) If not, the reasons thereof?

(b) and (c)

Sir, in the earlier year, the CD Scheme was the major scheme being implemented by the C & RD Blocks Projects of Agriculture including land reclamation, Health and Sanitation, Social Education, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Industries, Arts & Crafts and Rural roads Construction were being implemented under CD Schemes. However, in the last decade or so a number of Centrally sponsored schemes like SGSY, SGRY, IAY, PMGSY, IWDP and a number of State Plan sponsored schemes like SRWP,CRRP, ASF/MF, NOAPS, NFBS, CMSRDF have been launched by the Central Government and State Government.

There is overlapping in the nature and purpose of the projects and activities that are covered by the above mentioned schemes and those earlier covered by the CD Scheme. Therefore, the benefit of rural development and Community development continue to flow to the beneficiaries in the rural areas, although the resources may not be channelised through the same agency.

However, the C & RD Department during the current year submitted a proposal for additional allocation of funds for implementing the CD Scheme.

Shri J.M. MARAK

Smti D.C. MARAK (Minister in charge, Tourism)

*10. Will the Minister in charge Tourism be pleased to state :-

(a) The number of projects taken up during the last five years in Garo Hills?

(a) There are 30 numbers of projects taken up during the last five years in Garo Hills as enclosed as per statement placed on the Table of the House.

(b) Whether any tender have been called for?

(b) Yes, tenders have been floated.

(c) The names of the Contractors?

(c) As at (a) above.

SL. NO

Name of Projects/Schemes

Year of sanctioned

Amount of sanctioned

Name of Contractors

1.

Constn. of Compound wall around Patagon Memorial Park at Chisobibra (1st Phase)

1999 -2000

Rs.3,47,200/-

Smti Mercyful Marak.

2.

Constn. of R.C.C. drainage through Tourist Compound at Siju

- do -

Rs.3,98,700/-

Shri Anthon D. Shira.

3.

Constn. of Viewpoint including footpath at Jolding Lake.

- do -

Rs.2,97,900/-

1. Shri Carmello Marak
2. Shri Paildarine M. Sangma.

4.

Constn. of Boundary, Fencing, & installation of Steel Gate at Tourist Compound at Tura

- do -

Rs.2,40,000/-

1. Smti Aruna R. Marak
2. Kalpana Sangma.

5.

Develoment of Majechikong at Badaka

- do -

Rs.9,94,000/-

1.Shri Essenhower Momin.
2. Eckarsther, Momin

6.

Constn. of viewpoint at Denrima A'Gitok

- do -

Rs.3,48,957/-

1. Shri Jeeten R. Marak

7.

Constn. of Retaining Wall at Baghmara Tourist Lodge (2nd phase)

- do -

Rs.2,93,000/-

1. Shri Thinker R. Marak
2. Smti Kum Kum Sangma.

8.

Constn. of Viewpoint at Tetangkol and Matchakol Cave.

- do -

Rs.4,90,000/-

Shri Suresh Marak.

9.

Constn. of approach Road and Garage in Tourism Compound Complex, Tura.

- do -

Rs.2,00,000/-

1. Shri Milasal G. Momin.
2. Smti Prethima Ch. Sangma.

10.

Constn. of Boundary Wall at Tourism Compound Complex, Tura.

`- do -

Rs.1,98,000/-

1.Smti. Madhubi S. Sangma.
2.Shri Chongsin D. Shira.

11.

Constn. of Viewpoint and footpath at Chibagre (2nd phase)

2000 - 2001

Rs.2,92,750/-

Shri Sengman R. Marak.

12.

Constn. of Mini Park at Darga Shariff, Mahendraganj

- do -

Rs.7,89,800/-

1. Shri Wilter Marak
2. Shri Ebdas Salam. Shri Wilter.

13.

Constn. of Car Parking area at Siju tourist lodge.

- do -

Rs.3,97,600/-

1. Shri Anthon D. Shira

14.

Constn. of fencing wall at Patogan Memorial Park

- do -

Rs.4,97,000/-

1.Shri Merciful Marak.
2. Shri Dandstone C. Marak.

15.

Consolidation and Carpeting work of approach Road including C.C. drainage to Orchid Lodge Tura.

- do -

Rs.1,74,800/-

Shri Prethyna Ch. Sangma
.

16.

Beautification of Bagakona Lake.

- do -

Rs.9,47,000/-

Shri Mikasal G. Momin.

17.

Viewpoint Tebronggre near Rongram in West Garo Hills

2001 - 2002

Rs.1,60,000/-

Shri Wilbert R. Marak.

18.

Constn. of Viewpoint and Retaining wall at Dobodare near Songsak Wagopgre, East Garo Hills.

- do -

Rs.1,12,000/-

Shri Merciful R. Marak.

19.

Constn. of Viewpoint at Chibok Falls, East Garo Hills.

- do -

Rs.1,10,000/-

Shri Dandstone Marak.

20.

Installation of Three nos. of Musical fountain in D. C. Park, Tura.

- do -

Rs.25,00,000/-

M/S Stanley Roy Constn.

21.

Furnishing of Tourist lodge at Baghmara.

- do -

Rs.10,00,000/-

M/S Balsrang R. Marak.

22.

Improvement and Renovation of Orchid Lodge at Tura.

- do -

Rs.4,54,177/-

M.T.D.C. Ltd.

23.

Metallic Black Topping to Patogan Memorial Park, East Garo Hills.

2003 - 2004

Rs.8,35,400/-

P.W.D.

24.

Laying of G. I. Pipe Line from Water Tank to the Wayside Amenity, Anongre.

- do -

Rs.1,20,950/-

Shri Chajen T. Sangma.

25.

Constn. of Footpath, Viewpoint, Sonapahar bear cave.

- do -

Rs.2,28,000/-

Smti Kum Kum S. Sangma.

26.

Constn. of Viewpoint with footpath at Rongdotshi.

- do -

Rs.3,41,900/-

Shri Tesreng Toshua Sangma.

27.

Constn. of drainage from P.W.D. Road to Tourist Lodge at Baghmara.

- do -

Rs,84,000/-

Smti Kremila A. Sangma

.

28.

Constn. of viewpoint with approach footpath in Rongdong waterfalls near Siju.

- do -

Rs.2,75,000/-

Shri Anthon D. Shira.

29.

Constn. of Tourist Lodge at Williamnagar.

1999 - 2000

Rs.21,50,000/-

M.G.C.C.

Shri A.L. HEK

Dr. MUKUL SANGMA (Minister, Education)

* 11. Will the Minister in charge Higher and Technical Education be pleased to state whether the Basic Pay and Dearness Allowance (D.A.) of the College lecturers has been merged as they are entitled for Central D.A. rate?

No, Sir.

Shri E. K. SANGMA

Shri H.D.R. LYNGDOH (Minister in charge, Horticulture)

* 12. Will the Minister in charge Agriculture be pleased to state :-

(a) The number of cold storages constructed in the State so far?

(a) 2 (Two) Nos.

(b) The total amount of money spent for the purpose?

(b) Rs.184.90 lakhs.

(c) The objectives of constructing cold storages in the State?

(c) The objectives of construction of cold storages
are :-

(i)

To enhance the shelf life of perishable Agri. Hort commodities to enable the Farmers to store the commodities in a Fresh condition.

(ii)

To maintain flow of fruits and vegetables in the market throughout the year for the benefit of the farmers as well as consumers.

(iii)

To store the Agri. Hort Commodities at the time of harvesting to avoid glut in the market for the benefit of the farmers.

(d) The benefits being derived from those cold storages by the agricultural farmers?

(d) The cold storage units have not yet become completely operational as some minor works are still to be done.

Shri K. SUSNGI

Dr. MUKUL SANGMA [Minister in charge, Public Works (Roads)]

* 13. Will the Minister in charge Public Works be pleased to state :-

(a) Whether the Government is aware that due to random parking by the truckers along the NH 44 between Shillong and Jowai there has been heavy traffic blockade causing undue inconvenience to the commuters?

(a) There is traffic inconvenience due to the slow movement of vehicles/trucks carrying heavy loads.

(b) If the answer to (a) is in the affirmative, the action to be taken by the Government to ease heavy traffic blockade and congestation?

(c) If the answer to (a) is in the negative, the steps to be taken by the Government to ease the problem?

(b) & (c)
Steps have been taken by the Government for the conversion to Four Laning of the NH - 40 and NH - 44.

Shri D.P. IANGJUH

Shri B. SANGMA (Minister in charge, C & R.D.)

* 14. Will the Minister in charge Community and Rural Development be pleased to state :-

(a) Whether there is any allotment of Fund for the Community Development Schemes for the year 2004-2005?
(b) If so, whether the amount has been sanctioned and placed at the disposal of the respective Deputy Commissioner?
(c) If not, the reasons thereof?

(a), (b) & (c)
Sir, during the year 2004 - 05 the allotment of fund for CD Scheme is Rs.25.00 lakhs. However, the C. & R.D. Department has submitted a proposal to Government for additional allocation of fund during the current year.

Shri J. M. MARAK

Smti D.C. MARAK (Minister in charge, Tourism)

* 15. Will the Minister in charge Tourism be pleased to state :-

(a) Whether the Yatri Niwas at Tura is functioning?

(a) No, Sir.

(b) If the reply is in the negative, the reasons thereof?

(b) The Yatri Niwas Tura has been requisitioned by the Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills District for the purpose of law and order.

Shri A. L. HEK

Dr. MUKUL SANGMA (Minister, Education)

* 16. Will the Minister in charge Higher and technical Education be pleased to state the reason why allowances like House Rent, Medical, Hill and Winter allowances has not been provided to the College lecturers till date :-

These allowances have been provided to College Lecturers who are drawing State Scale of Pay. College Teachers drawing the Revised UGC Scales of Pay 1996 are paid only basic pay and dearness allowance. The Deficit Colleges in the State are not State Government Employees by their salaries are fully borne by the State Government. Their total emoluments should therefore, not be bigger than that of the State Government Employees of the corresponding category. Moreover, due to resource constraint the Government have decided that the Revised UGC Scale of Pay may be given along with Central Rate of DA with effect from 01/01/1996. No other State allowances are given..

Shri P.T. SAWKMIE

Shri H.D.R. LYNGDOH (Minister in charge, Horticulture)

* 17. Will the Minister in charge Agriculture be pleased to state :-

(a) Whether it is a fact that vegetable market from Iew Mawlong has been shifted to Mawiong?

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) If so, when?

(b) 5th July 2004.

(c) If not, the reason thereof?

(c) Does not arise in view of (b) above.

Shri D.P. IANGJUH

Shri B. SANGMA (Minister in charge, Community & Rural Development)

* 18. Will the Minister in charge Community and Rural Development be pleased to state whether it is a fact that Government have made provision and allotment of Fund for Community Development Scheme for all the Blocks in the State since their inception and establishment ?

Sir, in the earlier years, the CD scheme was the major scheme being implemented by the C & R.D. Blocks. Projects of Agriculture including land reclamation, Health and Sanitation, Social Education, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Industries, Arts & Crafts and Rural Roads Construction were being implemented under CD schemes. However, in the last decade or so a number of Centrally Sponsored Schemes such as SGSY, SGRY, IAY, PMGSY, IWDP and a number of State Plan Sponsored Schemes like SRWP, CRRP, ASF/MFNOAPS, NFBS, CMSRDF, have been launched by the Central Government and State Government.

There is overlapping in the nature and purpose of the projects and activities that are covered by the above mentioned schemes and those earlier covered by the CD schemes. Therefore, the benefits of rural development and Community Development continue to flow to the beneficiaries in the rural areas, although the resources may not be channelised through the same agency.

However, the Community & Rural Development Department has during the current year submitted a proposal for additional allocation of funds for the CD scheme.

Shri K. SUSNGI

Shri H.D.R. LYNGDOH (Minister in charge, Home Minister)

* 19. Will the Minister in charge Home (Police) be pleased to state :-

(a) Whether the National Highway Police patrolling is still continuing in the State?

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) If the reply to (a) is in the affirmative, the duties of the Police patrolling?

(b)

(i)

Prevention of crime on the Highway specially heinous crimes like dacoity and robbery.

(ii)

To help and assist people in distress on the highways.

(iii)

To provide security to VIPs traveling along the National Highways.

(iv)

To ensure smooth flow of traffic on the National Highways.

(c) If not, the reason thereof?

(c) Does not arise in view of reply to (b) above.

Shri A. L. HEK

Dr. MUKUL SANGMA (Minister, Education)

* 20. Will the Minister in charge Higher and Technical Education be pleased to state the reason why pension benefits has not been awarded to College lecturers?

The matter is subjudice in the Court

Shri P. T. SAWKMIE

Dr. D. D. LAPANG (Chief Minister)

*21. Will the Minister in charge Home (Police) be pleased to state :-

(a) The number of H.N.L.C. Cadres surrendered?

(a) The number of HNLC cadres who surrendered are 86 nos.

(b) The packages or rehabilitation Schemes Government had offered to them?

(b) The rehabilitation package by Government are contained in the scheme of Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation of militants placed on the Table of the House.

NO. POL. 49/99/313

Dated Shillong, November, 29,2001.

Subject :

Scheme for Surrender-Cum-Rehabilitation of militants in the State of Meghalaya.

1.

Objectives of the Scheme :

The objective of the Scheme is to wean away the misguided youth and hardcore militants that have strayed into the folds of militancy and now find themselves trapped into that net. The scheme also seeks to ensure that the militants who have surrendered do not find it attractive to join militancy again. The Government of Meghalaya will accept the surrender of the members of the militants outfits who belong to Meghalaya only and not those who belong to organisations outside the State.

2.

Eligibility Criteria :

The Scheme is applicable to those militants who surrendered with at least one weapon as mentioned in para 6. However, in exceptional and deserving cases, militants, who surrender without arms, may also be considered for rehabilitation under the Scheme. The names of such militants will be scrutinized by a Screening Committee to be constituted by the State Government.

3.

Benefits under the Scheme :

Once accepted by the Screening Committee the surrenderees will be initially lodged in a Rehabilitation Camp where they will be imparted counseling and training in a trade/vocation of their linking or befitting their aptitude.

4.

Stipend :

During the period of training at the Rehabilitation Camp the surrenderees will be paid a monthly stipend not exceeding Rs.2,000.00 per month.

5.

Board and Lodging :

Board and lodging for the surrenderees at the Rehabilitation Camp will be free.

6.

(i) The Stay of a Surrenderees in a Rehabilitation Camp Shall not exceed the period specified at par 9 (iii). Attempts will be made to settle the Surrenderees during that period. In case of settlement of any Surrenderees before the expiry of such period, the stipend will be stopped with effect from the date of settlement.

(ii) Minor crime cases against successfully rehabilitated surrenderees will be withdrawn.

(iii) Surrenderees who have committed heinous crime like murder, rape, abduction, kidnapping etc., will be subjected to the due process of law and the act, of Surrender shall not imply amnesty from the crimes.

(iv) A surrenderees who indulges in crime while under rehabilitation shall forfeit, the benefit, under the Scheme.

(v) The agency for rehabilitation shall be determined by the State Government.

7.

Incentives for Weapons :

The following incentives have been built into the Scheme for the Surrendered Weapons/ammunitions :

1.

Rocket,Launchers/UMG/GPMG/PIMCA/RPG/Snifer Rifle

Rs.25,000/- per weapon.

2.

A.K. 47/56/74 Rifles

Rs.15,000/- per weapon.

3.

303 Rifle/Pistol/Revolver and other service weapon.

Rs.3,000/- per weapon.

4.

Rocket.

Rs.1,000/- per weapon.

5.

Grenade/Hand Grenade/Stick Grenade

Rs. 500/- per weapon

6.

Remote Control Device.

Rs.3,000/- per weapon.

7.

Wireless Set
(a) Short Range.
(b) Long Range.

Rs. 1,000/- per weapons
Rs.5,000/- per weapon

8.

Ammunition of All types

Rs.3/- per weapon.

9.

IED

Rs.3,000/- per weapon.

10.

Explosive material

Rs.1,000/- per weapon.

11.

Carbine/SLR

Rs.10,000/- per weapon.

12.

Stengun

Rs.5,000/- per weapon.

However, the incentive given for the surrender of the aforesaid arms shall be deposited in the form of a Fixed Deposit in the joint name of Surrenderees and the State Government nominee and shall be given to the surrenderees at the time of his leaving the camp. If Surrenderees do not attend the Camp and insist on payment of cash incentive for surrendered arms. Such payment may be made to the surrenderees.

8.

The Government shall have the right to inspect any of the Camps set up for rehabilitation or Transit or to verify any record in this record.

9.

Procedure for Surrender by militant :

(i) The militant may surrender before any of the Army/CRMF Unit, District Magistrate, Superintendent, of Police of a District, DIG Range, IG (SB), a Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Sub-Divisions Police Officers and other notified Officers.

(ii) The Officer receiving the surrender shall provide security to the surrenderees and send him to transit relief camp and shall submit the necessary information with details of the surrenderee to the Inspector General of Police (SB) Meghalaya who is the Surrender and Rehabilitation Officer (SRO) under the Scheme and to the DIG Range, the Deputy Commissioners of the concerned Districts and the Inspector General, BSF or his nominee not below the rank of DIG, who are specified as the Nodal Officers under the Scheme.

(iii) The Nodal Officers will verify the antecedents of the militants and send specific recommendation to the SRO.

(iv) On receipt of the Reports from the concerned Nodal Officers, the SRO will convene a Screening Committee to consider the surrender of a militant and if accepted, transfer him to the Rehabilitation Camp to be identified by the State Government for training etc.

10.

Procedure for Rehabilitation :

(i) A Rehabilitation Advisory Committee will be set up by State Government in the concerned Districts to provide counseling and recommend appropriate training methodology and examine ways for rehabilitating the surrenderees.

(ii) On being surrendered with at least one weapon before the authorities identified at Para 9 (i) the surrenderee (s) will be transferred to a transit camp, where they would be provided with basic amenities and a pocket money of Rs.50/- (Rupees fifty) per day.

(iii) At the end of the first month, the accepted surrenderee (s) will be transferred to the Rehabilitation Camp where they will be imparted training and counseling through the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee for a period of 3 (three) months only except those on prolonged training in identified trade/vocation but should not exceed a period of 9 months. During this period the surrenderee (s) will be provided stipend etc., as provided at para 4 & 5.

(iv) At the end of the period of 3 months in the rehabilitation Camp the surrenderees, except, those on prolonged training in identified trade/vocation but not exceeding a period of 9 (nine) months, will be released from the Rehabilitation Camp to rehabilitate themselves.

(v) At the time of release from the Rehabilitation Camp each surrenderee will be paid an amount of Rs.20,000/- (Rupees twenty thousand) towards self-rehabilitation.

(vi) With a certificate of commendation from the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee and from the concerned S.P. for good conduct and behavior, a second instalment of rehabilitation assistance of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees twenty - five thousand) per person will be paid at the end of three months and a third and final instalment of Rs.30,000/- at the end of 6 months. The installments will be disbursed by the D.C. on specific recommendations of the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee and of the S.P., of the District.

(vii) In case when a surrenderee identifies a scheme for self-employment requiring an initial investment, the D.C., may release the rehabilitation assistance in one or two installments, subject, to specific recommendation by the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee and the S.P., of the District.

(viii) The Rehabilitation Advisory Committee and the District Administration will assist the surrenderees to obtain schemes for self-employment, if any, implemented by Government Departments etc, and the rehabilitation assistance will be in addition to whatever assistance is provided for under such normal Government Schemes.

(ix) There shall be a Committee at the State Level to be headed by the Commissioner & Secretary of all Political Department and the Directors of different Government departments implementing Self-Employment Sachems, as members. The Committee will examine the proposals/recommendations of the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee and the District Administration for such schemes and instruct the members concerned to get such proposals sanctioned on behalf of the Surrenderees.

11.

Impact assessment of the policy would be done every year to ensure corrective action, if required.

12.

Date of effect :

The Scheme will be applicable to those militants who had surrendered or who surrender after 1-4-98. However, the scheme will have prospective effect so far as the payment of monthly stipend to the surrenderee and facilities to the NGO are concerned.

13.

This supersedes this Department's Memorandum No. POL. 49/99/11 dated 22.9.99.

Sd/-

( G.P. Wahlang)

Commissioner & Secretary to the Govt. of Meghalaya,

Political Department.

Shri E. K. SANGMA

Shri H.D.R. LYNGDOH (Minister in charge, Horticulture)

* 22. Will the Minister in charge Agriculture be pleased to state :-

(a) Whether the Government is aware of the need of having Minimum Support Price Act in the State for protecting the interest of the Agricultural farmers?

(a) Declaration of Minimum Support Price for commodities whenever farmers are not getting remunerative price, is done in accordance with a scheme and not under any Act. While the Government is aware that there is a need to declare Minimum Support Price whenever such a situation is warranted, the Government does not feel that an Act is needed for this purpose.

(b) If the reply to (a) above is in the affirmative, whether any step is being initiated by the Government?

(b) Does not arise in view of (a) above.

Shri K. SUSNGI

Shri J.D. RYMBAI (Minister in charge, Transport)

* 23. Will the Minister in charge Transport be pleased to state :-

(a) Whether it is a fact that the truckers plying along the National Highways in the State are to stop briefly for checking at every outposts/checkgates?

(b) If so, the reason thereof?

(a) & (b)
Sir, Trucks plying on the Public roads including National Highways are being checked in accordance with the various Acts and Rules inforce.

Shri A. L. HEK

Dr. MUKUL SANGMA (Minister, Education)

* 24. Will the Minister in charge Higher and technical Education be pleased to state the latest development on the proposed Management Institute in the State?

The Government of India has decided to set up a Committee to recommend the most suitable location for the proposed Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in the North Eastern Region.

Shri P.T. SAWKMIE

Shri J.D. RYMBAI (Minister in charge, Transport)

* 25. Will the Minister in charge Transport be pleased to state :-

(a) Whether it is a fact that the Meghalaya Transport Corporation employees are not getting their salaries for the last four months?

(a) Voluntary Retirement Scheme Employees have been paid upto date.

(b) The reason for delay?

(b)

(i)

Existing Employees, have been paid upto August, 2004.

(ii)

Payment of Salaries depends on Meghalaya Transport Corporation Fund position.

(iii)

Revitalization measures aim to improve Meghalaya Transport Corporation Fund position.

Shri E. K. SANGMA

Dr. MUKUL SANGMA (Minister, Education)

*26. Will the Minister in charge Elementary and Mass Education be pleased to state :-

(a) Whether the Government is aware of the importance of Lower Primary Section of Education?

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) Whether the Government is aware that teaching in many L. P. Schools is disruptive due to non- filling up of the Vacant Posts of Teachers for a long time?

(b) Yes, Sir.

(c) If the reply to (b) above, is in the affirmative the reasons for not filling up of the vacant posts?

(c) The process of filling up of vacancies is being reviewed.

(d) Total number of vacancies Division wise?

(d) Information is being collected, Sir.

(e) The mechanism being used for monitoring the duties and performances or L.P. School Teachers?

(e) The mechanism for monitoring the duties and performances of L.P. School Teachers consists primarily of inspection of schools by Sub-Inspectors of Schools to ensure among other things, proper maintenance of the school buildings, regular attendance of teachers, regular serving of Mid Day Meal and proper utilization of different assistance given to the schools by the Government and other agencies. Recently, all the posts of the Sub-Inspectors of Schools have been filled up and an Orientation Course is being organized to train the new Sub Inspectors how to carry out their work.

The Village Education Committees which have been formed in every village are expected to supervise and monitor proper functioning of the school within the village including the regularity of attendance and performance of teachers.

Shri K. SUSNGI

Dr. D. D. LAPANG (Chief Minister)

*27. Will the Chief Minister be pleased to
state :-

(a) Whether it is a fact that there was a Cabinet decision that construction of the Assembly Building will be made the same old site in Police Bazar?

(a) No, Sir.

(b) If the answer to (a) is in the affirmative, when was the decision taken?

(b) Sir, does not arise in view of (a) above.

(c) If not, whether any decision has been made for construction of the new Assembly Building?

(c) Yes, Sir.