MEGHALAYA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

MEGHALAYA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

WINTER SESSION

UN-STARRED

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Tuesday, the 21st December, 2004

National Highway Division

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Dr. MUKUL SANGMA [Minister in-charge, Public Works (Roads)]
1.	Will the Minister in-charge, Public Works be pleased to state:-
(a)	The number of works under AR/RP taken up by the National Highway Division during 2003 upto November 2004?	(a) & (b) Information is being collected.
(b)	The name of such works and the amount sanctioned for each?	(a) & (b) Information is being collected.

Bills Pending in the District Council

Shri P. TYNSONG		Shri F. LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, District Council Affairs)
2.	Will the Minister in-charge, District Council Affairs be pleased to state:-
(a)	Whether it is a fact that, there are many Bills (Laws, Rules and Regulations), passed by the Autonomous District Councils of Meghalaya, since many years, still pending in the District Council Affairs Department?	(a) No, Sir.
(b)	If so, the list of such pending Bills?	(b) Does not arise in view of (a) above.
(c)	The steps or actions proposed to be taken by the District Council Affairs Department on the said pending Bills?	(c) Sir, action on the matter has already been taken.
(d)	Whether it is a fact that some Bills (Laws, Rules and Regulations), passed by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council and sent to the District Council Affairs Department, since 1991 onwards, for obtaining the approval/assent by the Governor, are missing or misplaced by the Department?	(d) Sir, during the process of consultation with other concerned Departments, some files were misplaced. Copies of the same already obtained from the Autonomous District Council concerned and already being processed.
(e)	If so, the names of such Bills?	(e) Does not arise in view of (d) above.

District Legal Service

Shri A. L. HEK		Dr. DONKUPAR ROY (Deputy Chief Minister)
3.	Will the Minister in-charge, Law be pleased to state:-
(a)	The reasons for the delay the reconstitution of the District Legal Service Authority in the State of Meghalaya?	(a) The District Legal Service Authority in every District was constituted on 3.12.2001 and still continues hence reconstitution does not arise.
(b)	The steps Government proposed to take on the matter?	(b) Does not arise in view of (a) above.

3rd MLP Battalion

Shri A. L. HEK		Shri H. D. R. LYNGDOH [Minister in-charge, Home (Police)]
4.	Will the Minister in-charge, Home (Police) be pleased to state?
(a)	The latest position of the land for establishing the permanent Head Quarter of the 3rd MLP Battalion (1st IRB) at Khliehtyrshi in Jaintia Hills District?	(a) Sir, the land for establishing the permanent Head Quarter for 3rd MLP Battalion (1st IRB) has not yet been finalised.
(b)	The total area of land and the financial involvement?	(b) The area of land required is approximately 200 acres. The cost of land will be known when land is identified and acquisition is finalised.
(c)	The steps the Government is taking for identification of suitable land if the above is not suitable?	(c) The process of identifying of suitable land is still going on.

Assembly Land

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Dr. MUKUL SANGMA [Minister in-charge, Public Works (Roads)]
5.	Will the Minister in-charge, Public Works be pleased to state:-
(a)	The action Government has taken against those Engineers who were responsible for cutting Assembly land for road expansion more than earmarked in the estimate.	(a) The land cut from the Assembly Complex for the purpose of construction of a rotary and widening of the feeder roads to the rotary was as per the requirement for the purpose and as per the approved estimate.
(b)	The total area required for the purpose and the excess area cut?	(b) Total area required for the purpose is 2992.50 Sq.m., which has not been exceeded.

Legal Aid Committees

Shri A. L. HEK		Dr. DONKUPAR ROY (Deputy Chief Minister, Power)
6.	Will the Minister in-charge, Law be pleased to state:-
(a)	When was the Meghalaya State Legal Aid Board and District Legal Aid Committees last constituted?	(a) There is no more Legal Aid Board and District legal Aid Committees, instead the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authorities which was constituted on 15.7.98 and District Legal Services Authorities on 3.12.2001.
(b)	The tenure of such Board and Committees?	(b) As per notification tenure has not been prescribed.
(c)	The steps Government is taking for constituting the above Board and Committees inspite of such delay?	(c) Does not arise in view of (a) and (b) above.

Land Cutting

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Dr. MUKUL SANGMA [Minister in-charge, Public Works (Roads)]
7.	Will the Minister in-charge, Public Works be pleased to state:-
(a)	Whether it is a fact that the Department had to revert back to the original allotment for land cutting within the old Assembly Compound?	(a) & (b) The land cut from the Assembly Complex for the purpose of construction of rotary and widening of feeder roads to the rotary was as per the requirement for the purpose and as per the approved estimate. However, as per the decision arrived at the meeting of the High Power Committee held on 4.11.04, there has been proposal for little modification of the work taken up.
(b)	If so, who will pay the amount to the contractor to fill up the portion already dug?

3rd MLP Battalion

Shri A. L. HEK		Dr. DONKUPAR ROY (Deputy Chief Minister in-charge, Revenue)
8.	Will the Minister in-charge, Revenue be pleased to state:-
(a)	Whether it is a fact that the land at Khliehtyrshi for establishing the 3rd MLP battalion (1st IRB) have been acquired?	(a) No, Sir.
(b)	The latest position of the acquisition proceedings at present?	(b) The acquisition proceedings lapsed on 13.8.02 and no fresh proceedings have been initiated.
(c)	Whether the land belongs to private parties?	(c), (d) & (e) Does not arise in view of (a) & (b) above.
(d)	The number of persons (beneficiaries) category-wise?
(e)	The total amount involved and sanctioned for the project?

Communication Technology

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Dr. MUKUL SANGMA (Minister in-charge, Information Technology)
9.	Will the Minister in-charge, Information Technology be pleased to state:-
(a)	Whether effort has been made to use Information Communication Technology in Education, Health, Housing and other Personal Services?	(a) Yes, Sir.
(b)	If so, whether it has been designed with a perspective for a low Budget Consumer?	(b) Yes, Sir.

NOC from JHADC

Shri A. L. HEK		Dr. D. D. LAPANG (Chief Minister in-charge Industries)
10.	Will the Minister in-charge, Industries be pleased to state:-
(a)	The number of Cement Companies which have been granted permission for construction of such projects in Jaintia Hills from 2000 till date?	(a) 3 Nos., Sir.
(b)	The names of allottees, Managing Director /Proprietors along with the location of such projects and their addresses?	(b)	(I)	M/S Meghalaya Cements Ltd. Lumshnong Khliehriat, Jaintia Hills. Name of Managing Director Shri Promod Kedia.
			(II)	M/S Cements Manufacturing Co. Ltd. Lumshnong Khliehriat, Jaintia Hills. Name of Managing Director Shri Amit Agarwal.
			(III)	M/S Hills Cements Co. Ltd. Cheruphy Jaintia Hills. Name of Managing Director Shri Madan Lal Mital.
(c)	Whether such projects received Forest Clearance from the Authority concerned and No Objection Certificate from Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council?	(c) Both the No Objection Certificates are not required for SWA approval. However, the same are mandatory before actual implementation.
(d)	The ratio agreed upon in giving employment to local candidates (both skilled and unskilled)?	(d) As per the Industrial Policy of the State Government.

Allotment of Bitumen

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Dr. MUKUL SANGMA [Minister in-charge, Public Works (Roads)]
11.	Will the Minister in-charge, Public Works be pleased to state:-
(a)	Whether it is a fact that the Department had change the system of allotment of Bitumen to different Division/Sub Division?	(a) No, Sir.
(b)	If so, the present systems?	(b) Does not arise in view of reply to (a) above.
(c)	If not, whether the Government proposes to elaborate the existing system of Bitumen allotment to different Department for original work and repair work?	(c) Procurement of Bitumen is normally done by the Executive Engineers of different Divisions through the Executive Engineer P.W.D. (Roads) Central Division, Shillong, on advance payment.

Jowai Civil Hospital

Shri A. L. HEK		Shri SAYEEDULLAH NONGRUM (Minister in-charge, Health & Family Welfare)
12.	Will the Minister in-charge, Health and Family Welfare be pleased to state:-
(a)	Whether the proposal for upgradation of Jowai Civil Hospital have been implemented?	(a) No, Sir.
(b)	If so, the total financial involvement in the above proposal?	(b) & (c) Does not arise in view of reply to (a) above, Sir.
(c)	When will be construction works be started?

Construction of Road

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Dr. MUKUL SANGMA [Minister in-charge, Public Works (Roads)]
13.	Will the Minister in-charge, Public Works be pleased to state:-
(a)	The length of road construction taken up during 2003-04?	(a) & (b) The informations are being collected.
(b)	The total amount spent and the total length covered/to be covered District-wise?	(a) & (b) The informations are being collected.

PHC at Saipung

Shri A. L. HEK		Shri SAYEEDULLAH NONGRUM (Minister in-charge, Health & Family Welfare)
14.	Will the Minister in-charge, Health and Family Welfare be pleased to state:-
(a)	Whether the Public Health Centre at Saipung is functioning?	(a) Yes, Sir, partially.
(b)	Whether it is a fact that no doctors, nurses and staff stay there?	(b) Though no fulltime doctor is there, however the local staff posted in the P.H.C. viz. LHV, ANM & Chowkidar are staying in the PHC. Quarters.
(c)	The steps taken by the Government to provide medical facilities there?	(c) Concerted efforts are being made to arrange water and power supply so that the P.H.C. can be made fully functional.

Information Technology

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Dr. MUKUL SANGMA (Minister in-charge, Information Technology).
15.	Will the Minister in-charge, Information Technology be pleased to state:-
(a)	The extent the Information Technology had contributed to employment generation both direct and indirect?	(a) & (b) Authenticated and upto date Data in this respect is not available at present.
(b)	The numbers of job generated directly, indirectly during 2003-04?

Pension Cases

Shri A. L. HEK		Dr. DONKUPAR ROY (Minister in-charge, Finance)
16.	Will the Minister in-charge, Finance be pleased to state:-
(a)	Whether it is a fact that Government proposes to appoint Drawing and Disbursing Officer separately for pension cases in order to ease the problem faced by the Pensioners?	(a) No.
(b)	If so, when will the posts be filled up?	(b) Does not arise in view of reply at (a) above.
(c)	If not, the reasons thereof?	(c) The existing system of payment through Treasury Offices and some of the Nationalised Banks has served the purpose of Pensioners adequately. In Shillong a new Treasury was set up to deal with Pension cases.

Industrial Unit

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Dr. D. D. LAPANG (Chief Minister in-charge, Industries).
17.	Will the Minister in-charge, Industries be pleased to state:-
(a)	The amount Government spent from the Budget Plan to support sick industrial unit, public sector enterprise for the last five years?	(a) Information is being collected, Sir.
(b)	Whether Government has initiated reforms to curtail the budgetary deficits by reducing support from State Budget for sick enterprises?	(b) Yes, Sir.

Deficit System

Shri A. L. HEK		Dr. MUKUL SANGMA (Minister, Education)
18.	Will the Minister in-charge, Higher and Technical Education be pleased to state:-
(a)	Whether Government proposes to sanction recurring grant to Colleges under adhoc and deficit system?	(a) Yes, Sir.
(b)	If so, the names of such colleges and the total amount sanctioned for each?	(b) The Statement is placed on the Table of the House.
(c)	If not, when will such schemes be started?	(c) Does not arise in view of (a) & (b) above.

Statement

List of Colleges and the Amount of Grant-in-aid sanctioned against each per month

1.	St. Anthony's College	(I)	Rs.21,23,297/-
		(II)	Rs. 1,30,009/-
			Rs.22,53,306/-
2.	St. Edmund's College		Rs.16,39,556/-
3.	St. Mary's College		Rs.17,08,753/-
4.	Lady Keane College		Rs.15,50,842/-
5.	Sankardev College		Rs.12,04,926/-
6.	Shillong College		Rs.17,75,403/-
7.	Synod College	(I)	Rs.11,90,775/-
		(II)	Rs. 89,470/-
			Rs.12,71,245/-
8.	College of Teacher Education (PGT)		Rs.2,13,634/-
9.	Shillong Commerce College, Shillong.		Rs.2,89,947/-
10.	Seng Khasi College		Rs.2,93,696/-
11.	Union Christian College	(I)	Rs.6,71,842/-
		(II)	Rs.1,70,338/-
			Rs.8,42,180/-
12.	Ri Bhoi College		Rs.1,52,320/-
13.	Nongstoin College		Rs.1,51,157/-
14.	Don Bosco College		Rs.5,29,025/-
15.	Mendipathar College		Rs.2,54,804/-

Adhoc

1.	Sngap syiem Memorial College	Rs.1,13,918/-
2.	Tirot Singh Memorial College	Rs.1,08,336/-
3.	Acheng Rangmanpa College	Rs.1,06,060/-
4.	Raid LabanCollege	Rs.2,58,500/-
5.	Tikrikilla College	Rs.1,01,477/-
6.	Women's College	Rs.1,88,616/-
7.	Sohra College	Rs.1,10,433/-
8.	Nongtalang College	Rs.1,61,197/-
9.	Captain Williamson Sangma Memorial College	Rs.1,08,402/-
10.	Durama College	Rs.1,76,255/-

Quantity of Lime Stone

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Smti. DEBORAH MARAK (Minister, Mining & Geology)
19.	Will the Minister in-charge, Mining be pleased to state:-
(a)	The quantity of lime stone extracted from Nongtrai at Shella?	(a) Nil.
(b)	The name of the Company allotted with the work?	(b) M/S Lafarge Umiam Mining Private Limited has been given Mining Lease.

Grant Permission

Shri A. L. HEK		Dr. MUKUL SANGMA (Minister, Education)
20.	Will the Minister in-charge, Higher and Technical Education be pleased to state:-
(a)	The date when the recurring grant permission was granted to Saipung Secondary School?	(a) The recurring grant was sanctioned w.e.f. 01/09/1995, Sir.
(b)	Whether there is any proposal to enhance financial adhoc grant for the said school?	(b), (c) & (d) The matter is being examined, Sir.
(c)	If so, the amount proposed to be enhanced?
(d)	If not, the reasons thereof?

Land Selling Act

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Dr. DONKUPAR ROY (Deputy Chief Minister in-charge, Revenue)
21.	Will the Minister in-charge, Revenue be pleased to state:-
(a)	Whether the Land Selling Act and the Rent Control Act is being followed by the State?	(a)	(i)	The Urban Land (Ceiling & Regulation) Act, 1976. (Central Act No. 33 of 1976) has been adopted by the State of Meghalaya.
			(ii)	The Meghalaya Urban Areas Rent Control Act, 1972, (Meghalaya Act 21st of 1972) has been enacted.
(b)	If so, since when?	(b)	(i)	The Urban Land (Ceiling & Regulation) Act, 1976 was adopted w.e.f. 7.4.1976.
			(ii)	The Meghalaya Urban Areas Rent Control Act, 1972 (Meghalaya Act 21st of 1972) came into force on the 13th March, 1972.
(c)	If not, the reasons thereof?	(c)		Does not arise in view of (a) & (b) above.

Electrification

Shri A. L. HEK		Dr. DONKUPAR ROY (Deputy Chief Minister in-charge, Power)
22.	Will the Minister in-charge, Power be pleased to state:-
(a)	The total number of houses proposed for electrification at Mynso village?	(a) Sir, there are two villages in the name of Mynso as per 1991 census.
		(i) Mynso (16/1/2/55) under Laskein Block.
		(ii) Mynso (16/1/1/87) under Thadlaskein Block.
		In case of No. (i) above, the village was electrified in the year 1978. There are 383 Nos. of households out of which 130 Nos. of houses have been provided with electricity connection and 44 households with Kutir Jyoti connection, totaling 174. The remaining households may get electrical connection on approach to Me.S.E.B. In case of No. (ii), this village is a de-electrified village having 6 Nos. of households, which may be connected with electricity after re-electrification only.

(b)	When will the scheme start functioning?	(b) For Mynso under Sl. (i) above, the Scheme started functioning since inception of Me.S.E.B.
		For Mynso under Sl. (ii) above, there re-electrification Scheme is yet to start functioning.
(c)	If not, the reasons for the delay?	(c) For Sl. (i) above - Does not arise.
		For Sl. (ii) above - Me.S.E.B. has formulated a Scheme for re-electrification of all the de-electrified villages including Mynso under Thadlaskein Block and is awaiting for source of funding.

Plan Fund

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Dr. DONKUPAR ROY (Deputy Chief Minister in-charge, Revenue)
23.	Will the Minister in-charge, Revenue be pleased to state:-
(a)	Whether it is a fact that Government will constitute expert committees on the role of the planning department for the issue of plan fund in the context of disaster?	(a) No, Sir.
(b)	If so, when?	(b) Does not arise.
(c)	If not, how does the Government plan to deal with Natural Calamities?	(c) At present, a non plan scheme viz. Constitution and Administration of the Calamity Relief Fund and investment there from formulated by the Government of India based on the recommendations of the successive Finance Commission is being implemented by the State Government in Revenue Department. Basically, the purpose of the scheme is for financing relief assistance to the people affected by natural disasters on the basis of items and norms. The annual corpus of the Calamity Relief Fund consists of the Centre and the State's Share in the ratio of 75% and 25% respectively.

Rural Electrification

Shri A. L. HEK		Dr. DONKUPAR ROY (Deputy Chief Minister, Power)
24.	Will the Minister in-charge, Power be pleased to state:-
(a)	When will the proposed Electric connection under Rural Electrification Scheme will be started?	(a) Sir, Rural Electrification works covering the entire Meghalaya was in progress since the inception of Meghalaya State Electricity Board through the Schemes inherited from the erstwhile Assam State Electricity Board. However, due to loan and interest burden reaching unmanageable level, the Board decided to stop taking further loan from REC since 1996. Again the R.E. programmed was revived with effect from 2000 by taking financial assistance initially from the State Government and then from the Central Government under PMGY Schemes. 100% village electrification is targeted by 2007, and 100% households by 2012.
(b)	The names of villages proposed to be electrified?	(b) The list of villages proposed to be electrified during 2004-2005 is enclosed (Annex-I).

Calamity Relief

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Dr. DONKUPAR ROY (Deputy Chief Minister in-charge, Revenue)
25.	Will the Minister in-charge, Revenue be pleased to state:-
(a)	Whether it is a fact that calamity relief is seen essentially as non-plan item of expenditure?	(a), (b) & (c) At present a Non Plan Scheme for Constitution and Administration of Calamity Relief Fund and Investment there from formulated on the basis of successive Finance Commission is being implemented by the State Government. Basically, the scheme is for the purpose of financing relief assistance to the people affected by Natural Calamity on the basis of Items and Norms prescribed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
(b)	If so, whether the Government is prepared to look at disaster from a development perspective as well?
(c)	If not, the number of schemes in operation associated with plan financing to deal with the prevention and mitigation of the impact of natural disaster?

PMGSY Road

Shri A. L. HEK		Dr. MUKUL SANGMA [(Minister, in-charge, Public Works (Roads)]
26.	Will the Minister in-charge, Public Works (Roads) be pleased to state:-
(a)	The total amount earmarked for construction of Mynsngat-Umladang Road under PMGSY?	(a) Rs.1,04,82,000.00
(b)	The names of contractors to whom the construction works have been allotted?	(b) Smti. Darbinoris Tariang.
(c)	The reasons for non completion of the construction works?	(c) The work is completed.
(d)	Whether the agreement is still valid?	(d) Yes, Sir.
(e)	If so, steps Government proposes to take for completion of the said road?	(e) Does not arise, since the work is already completed.

Tourist Centers

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Smti. D. C. MARAK (Minister in-charge, Tourism)
27.	Will the Minister in-charge, Tourism be pleased to state:-
(a)	Whether Government propose to encourage Public, Private, Partnership, in development of Tourist Centers in which the Government would be the active facilitator and catalyst with the ultimate goal of creating high class infrastructure and innovative products?	(a) Yes, Sir.
(b)	If so, the name the areas where such partnership exists?	(b)	1. Orchid Inn, Thadlaskein.
			2. Orchid View Point, Mawsmai, Cherrapunjee.
			3. Orchid Drive-in-Restaurant, Nongpoh
			4. Elephant Falls premises.
(c)	If not, the reasons thereof?	(c) Does not arise.

NEC Scheme

Shri A. L. HEK		Dr. MUKUL SANGMA [(Minister, in-charge, Public Works (Roads)]
28.	Will the Minister in-charge, Public Works (Roads) be pleased to state:-
(a)	When will the construction works of the Sutnga-Saipung Road under NEC Scheme be completed?	(a) The completion of the scheme depends upon the sanction of the Revised Detailed Project Report submitted to the North Eastern Council.
(b)	Whether the said scheme have been abandoned?	(b) No, Sir.
(c)	If not, the steps taken for completion of the said road?	(c) Sanctioned of the Revised Detailed Project Report is awaited.

Tourism Potential

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Smti. D. C. MARAK (Minister in-charge, Tourism)
29.	Will the Minister in-charge, Tourism be pleased to state:-
(a)	Whether it is a fact that Meghalaya has large untapped Tourism Potential which can be successfully harnessed for the benefit of development of areas that have remained underdeveloped despite being potential destination of Tourism attraction?	(a) Yes, Sir.
(b)	If so, the names of those areas?	(b) Some of the areas are :-
			1. Cherrapunjee.
			2. Umiam Lake.
			3. Nongpoh area.
			4. Tura area.
			5. Siju caves.
			6. Balpakram
			7. Thadlaskein.
			8. Syndai caves.
			9. Nartiang.
			10. Nongkhnum.

Emergency Work

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri PAUL LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Sports and Youth Affairs)
30.	Will the Minister in-charge, Sports be pleased to state:-
(a)	The number of repairing and emergency work, undertaken by the Sports department during 2003-2004?	(a) Nil.
(b)	The total amount earmark, the amount already paid and the pending amount to be paid to contractors?	(b), (c) and (d) Does not arise in view of (a) above.
(c)	Whether work Tender has been called for?
(d)	If so, the quotation and the date of publishing the tender?

SSCM Project

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri PAUL LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Sports and Youth Affairs)
31.	Will the Minister in-charge, Sports be pleased to state:-
(a)	The project completed under SSCM since its inception?	(a) 79 (Seventy nine) Nos.
(b)	The total amount spend for all the projects?	(b) and (c) Since the matter requires detailed particulars of the Schemes for the last several years, information is being worked out and would be furnished in due course.
(c)	The original estimate submitted for the project and the total amount approved for price escalation of the total project?

SSCM Scheme

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri PAUL LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Sports and Youth Affairs)
32.	Will the Minister in-charge, Sports be pleased to state:-
(a)	The amount authorised by the Government to approve the Scheme by the SSCM?	(a) The State Sports Council Meghalaya implements only the Schemes approved by the Government.
(b)	The authority who will approve the Scheme which is beyond the financial power of the highest authority in SSCM?	(b) Does not arise in view of (a) above.

Technical Staff

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri PAUL LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Sports and Youth Affairs)
33.	Will the Minister in-charge, Sports be pleased to state:-
(a)	The qualification required for Technical staff in the SSCM?	(a) The qualification of the Technical Staff appointed under the State Sports Council Meghalaya is basically in line with those followed by the other similar autonomous organisation of the State but experiences as well as competency of the persons are the important criteria considered while considering appointment.
(b)	Whether the qualification required has been revised or remain as it was, right from the inception of SSCM?	(b) The basic qualification remain same but as elaborated above.

Tournament outside the States

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri PAUL LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Sports and Youth Affairs)
34.	Will the Minister in-charge, Sports be pleased to state:-
(a)	The amount earmarked and sanctioned for the Association Clubs who participated in the Tournament outside the State during 2003-2004?	(a) Rs.12,41,784/- was earmarked and sanctioned.
(b)	The total amount earmarked to Clubs, Associations for purchase of sports materials, trophies?	(b) Rs.11.00 (lac) was earmarked and sanctioned.
(c)	The Mechanism adopted by the Department for such grant to Associations and Clubs?	(c) The Department normally scrutinises the proposals submitted by Associations and Clubs on merit vis-a-vis the fund position.

Court Settlement

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri PAUL LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Sports and Youth Affairs)
35.	Will the Minister in-charge, Sports be pleased to state:-
(a)	Whether it is a fact that the Department had reached an out of Court settlement with the Suppliers on their outstanding excess Bill?	(a) No, Sir.
(b)	If so, the details thereon?	(b) Does not arise in view of (a) above.
(c)	If not, the latest position of the case?	(c) Sir, steps have been taken to expedite the case, and an interim payment of Rs.17,66,050/- had been disbursed on 29-09-2004 to the party. Moreover the Government have requested the Office of Accountant General (Audit), Meghalaya to conduct a special audit into the matter.

Malaria death Case

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri SAYEEDULLAH NONGRUM (Minister in-charge, Health & Family Welfare)
36.	Will the Minister in-charge, Health be pleased to state:-
(a)	The number of Malaria deaths reported in the State during 2003-2004?	(a) 57 numbers, Sir.
(b)	How many cases were reported at the Shillong Civil Hospital?	(b) 323 cases, Sir.
(c)	The action Government has taken to eradicate Malaria from the State?	(c)	(i)	Distribution of Anti-Malarial Drugs through Drugs Distribution Centres set up in the Interior areas.
			(ii)	Blood Slide Examination and presumptive treatment of all fever cases and radical treatment of all positive cases.
			(iii)	D.D.T. spray in the Malaria prone areas.
			(iv)	Awareness Campaigns and continuing health talks/education by health workers and other activities.
			(v)	Rapid diagnostic kits will be distributed in the medical institutions on receipt of the same from the Government of India.
(d)	Whether adequate medicine had been provided to various PHC/CHCs to combat Malaria?	(d) Yes, Sir.

Related diseases

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri SAYEEDULLAH NONGRUM (Minister in-charge, Health & Family Welfare)
37.	Will the Minister in-charge, Health be pleased to state:-
(a)	The number of person who died of Alcoholic/Drugs/Tobacco related diseases during 2003 upto November, 2004?	(a) Information is being collected.
(b)	The number of persons who died in Shillong Civil Hospital?	(b) The total number of persons who died in Civil Hospital with effect from January, 2003 to November, 2004 was 103.
(c)	The reason why Government cannot control death from such diseases?	(c) Because of greater reach and improved health care facilities, there has been a marked improvement in the health indices of the State. The death rate has declined from 15.5 per thousand in 1999, birth rate has dropped from 33.5 per thousand during that period, the infant mortality rate during 1999-2001 was 56 per thousand as compared to the national average of 66 per thousand. Therefore, Government has been able to provide improved health care against diseases. However, deaths on account of natural causes or incurable diseases cannot be prevented.

Health Services

Shri P. M. SYIEM			Shri SAYEEDULLAH NONGRUM (Minister in-charge, Health & Family Welfare)
38.	Will the Minister in-charge, Health be pleased to state:-
(a)	Whether the Government is aware that access to quality health services of the population at large is one of the main indicators of social development?		(a) Yes, Sir.
(b)	If so, the existing facilities in the areas where health and nutrition services available especially in rural areas?		(b) The existing Government institutions providing health care services in the rural areas are as follows:-
		1.	Community Health Centre (CHC)	- 23
		2.	Primary Health Centre (PHC)	- 95
		3.	Dispensaries	- 12
		4.	Sub-Centre	- 401
		5.	Hospitals
			Urban	- 4
			Rural	- 4

Medical Insurance

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri SAYEEDULLAH NONGRUM (Minister in-charge, Health & Family Welfare)
39.	Will the Minister in-charge, Health be pleased to state:-
(a)	Whether the Government proposes to encourage the Medical Insurance Industry in the State?	(a) Yes, Sir.
(b)	If so, the measures Government adopted which an inspire confidence among the buyer of Insurance designed especially for the Low income group?	(b) Government of India had introduced the "Universal Health Insurance Scheme" on July 14, 2003 to facilitate the access of poorer sections of society to Health care. The policy is available to groups of 100 or more families. The policy provides reimbursement of hospitalisation expenses upto Rs.30,000/- to an individual /family, subject to certain limits prescribed. It also provides coverage for death or disability in case of accidental. The rates of premium is as follows:-

		Per day	Per annum
(i) For an individual	-	Rs.1.00/-	Rs.365/-
(ii) For a family upto 5 members	-	Rs.1.50/-	Rs.548/-
(iii) For a family upto 7 members	-	Rs.2.00/-	Rs.730/-
	For Family below the poverty line, the Government will provide a premium subsidy of Rs.100/- per family.
	The Schemes is being implemented by the nationalised Insurance Companies.

Police Force

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri H. D. R. LYNGDOH (Minister, Home)
40.	Will the Minister in-charge, Home (Police) be pleased to state?
(a)	The total strength of the State Police Force?	(a) The total strength of the State police force is 10,338.
(b)	The total strength engaged in security of VIPs including Government/Private Installation?	(b) (A) VIPs security		- 262
		(B) Government/ Private installation		- 321
		______________________________
		TOTAL	- 583

Tax evasion

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri J. D. RYMBAI (Minister in-charge, Taxation)
41.	Will the Minister in-charge, Taxation be pleased to state?
(a)	Whether it is a fact that tax evasion is due to failure of the Government to protect leakages?	(a) No, Sir.
(b)	If so, the measures Government proposes to prevent such leakages?	(b) Does not arise in view of (a) above.

Project of the State Government

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri D. D. LAPANG (Chief Minister)
42.	Will the Chief Minister, be pleased to state?
(a)	The number of project State Government has submitted to the Central Government during 2003-2004?	(a) Sir, Information is being collected from All Development Departments.
(b)	The total numbers of project cleared by the Government of India?	(b) Does not arise in view of (a) above.

Foreign Tour

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Dr. DONKUPAR ROY (Deputy Chief Minister in-charge, Finance)
43.	Will the Minister in-charge, Finance be pleased to state:-
(a)	The amount sanctioned and approved by Government for Foreign Tour of Ministers, Bureaucrats during 2003-2004?	(a) and (b) Information is being collected
(b)	The destination approved for the visit?	(a) and (b) Information is being collected

Revenue System

Shri P. M. SYIEM			Dr. DONKUPAR ROY (Deputy Chief Minister in-charge, Finance)
43.	Will the Minister in-charge, Finance be pleased to state the reform Government think is necessary to undertake in the Revenue System in order to make it more transparent, equitable, and user-friendly?		Government have been taking positive steps to make the revenue system more transparent, equitable and user friendly. With a view to achieving the above objective, all the District Unit and circle Offices under the Taxation Department along with the three main Taxation checkgates at Byrnihat, Umkiang and Dainadubi are in the final stages of Computerisation. With the introduction of the Value Added Tax System scheduled from 1.4.2005, most of the dealers will be doing self-assessment of returns and the Department will conduct random audit on a test check basis. The ultimate goal of the Government is to enable dealers to declare their stocks and file their returns electronically and have access to all the required information on tax revenue related matters through the internet. This will ultimately reduce the necessity of personal contact between the dealers and the Department Officers and lead to an effective, transparent and user friendly revenue system.

Imperative Policy

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Dr. DONKUPAR ROY (Deputy Chief Minister in-charge, Finance)
45.	Will the Minister in-charge, Finance be pleased to state the imperative policy adopted by the Government regarding achievement of public finances?	Sir, the State Government has adopted several policies to increase its revenue and curtail its expenditure. Some of the policies adopted by the State Government to curtail expenditure area :-
	1. Economy cut of 10% on Non-Plan allocation, to restrict Departmental current expenses.
	2. Continuation of the System of LOC/LOA.
	3. Continuation of stringent economy/austerity measures to restrict wasteful expenditure.
	4. Disinvestment of State Public Sector Undertakings.
	5. Reduction in granting subsidies and grants-in-aid.
	6. Issuing of State Government guarantee in favour of loans proposed to be availed by State Public Sector Undertakings and Boards has been restricted.
	Policies adopted by the Government to increase its revenue are :-
	1. Imposition of user charges from services provided by the Government.
	2. Widening of the tax base, and increase in the rates of taxes.
	3. Streamlining the taxation machinery.

Burden of Interest Payment

Shri P. M. SYIEM			Dr. DONKUPAR ROY (Deputy Chief Minister in-charge, Finance)
46.	Will the Minister in-charge, Finance be pleased to state the Mechanism Government adopted under which borrowing shall be restricted to attain a non rising debt in order to reduce burden of interest payment?		The State Government's borrowing is regulated by the Central Government for borrowing from Financial Institutions. Consent of the Government of India under Article 293(3) of the Constitution of India is required.

Realistic Plan Outlay

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri D. D. LAPANG (Chief Minister)
47.	Will the Minister in-charge, Finance be pleased to state the action taken by the Government to have a realistic plan outlay in 2004-05 and concept to take into consideration for Financing the plan?	Sir, as against the proposed Plan size of Rs.625.00Crores for Annual Plan 2004-05 of Meghalaya, the Planning Commission has approved a Plan size of Rs.716.34 Crores.
		The financing of the Plan is as per National Policy followed by the Central Government.
		Copy of Planning Commission's letter No. M/13048/17(MG)-2003-SPNE dated 03-12-2004 indicating the sectoral allocations within the approved Plan size of Rs.716.34 Crores along with the approved scheme of financing of Annual Plan 2004-05 are placed at the Table of the House.

Reduction in Expenditure

Shri P. M. SYIEM			Dr. DONKUPAR ROY (Deputy Chief Minister in-charge, Finance)
48.	Will the Minister in-charge, Finance be pleased to state the Mechanism Government adopted for reduction in expenditure on Administrative and Establishment cost?		Sir, various Economy measures were adopted by the State Government since 1992-1993 to restrict wasteful expenditure in all Departments. Measures introduced were ban/restriction on creation of posts, purchase of vehicles, furniture and furnishing and other wasteful items. Further to control the growth of Revenue expenditure a Budgetary cut on Non-Plan Estimates was imposed @ 5% in 1998-99, 7% in 1999-2000, and 10% from 2000-2001 onwards.

Programme and Scheme

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Dr. D. D. LAPANG (Chief Minister)
49.	Will the Minister in-charge, Planning be pleased to state :-
(a)	Whether it is a fact that failure of Programmes and Scheme is due to faulty and incomplete design of the Programmes/Project/Scheme?	(a) No, Sir.
(b)	If so, the care and attention Government has taken to formulate Programmes, Project, and Scheme in a more systematic and professional manner?	(b) Does not arise in view of (a) above.

Educational System

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Dr. MUKUL SANGMA (Minister, Education)
50.	Will the Minister in-charge, Education be pleased to state:-
(a)	The number of children in the age group 6-14 years in the primary level?	(a) The number of children in the age group of 6-14 years is 672537.
(b)	The process Government has adopted to integrate our educational system with the economic needs of the people?	(b)	(i) (ii)	Easy access to schooling facility. Provision of Cooked Meals.
			(iii)	Provision of free textbooks.
			(iv)	Introduction of Socially Useful and Productive Work (SUPW) in the schools.
			(v)	Scholarship to meritorious students.

Alternative Schooling

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Dr. MUKUL SANGMA (Minister, Education)
51.	Will the Minister in-charge, Education be pleased to state:-
(a)	The number of Teachers provided for every group of 40 children for Primary and Upper Primary Schools?	(a) The norm is one teacher for every 40 children in Primary and Upper Primary Schools.
(b)	Whether the Government has opened alternative schooling facility within 1 KM of every habitation?	(b) Opening of alternative schools is being taken up in a phases manner under SSA Programme.
(c)	If so, the name of the villages which have been provided with such facilities in the State?	(c) The list is placed on the Table of the House.

Free Textbook

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Dr. MUKUL SANGMA (Minister, Education)
52.	Will the Minister in-charge, Education be pleased to state:-
(a)	Whether Government provided free textbook to all SC/ST, children at the Primary and Upper Primary Schools?	(a) Yes, Sir in a phased manner under SSA Programme.
(b)	If so, the number of schools benefited from such provision in the State?	(b) Textbooks are being provided to 69500 children in the Primary level and 43500 children in the Upper Primary level.

Primary and Upper Primary School

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Dr. MUKUL SANGMA (Minister, Education)
53.	Will the Minister in-charge, Education be pleased to state:-
(a)	Whether Government is aware that schools without teachers exists in the State?	(a) No, Sir.
(b)	If so, the measures Government adopted to control such schools?	(b) Does not arise in view of (a) above.
(c)	If not, whether Government encourage implementation of the 73rd and 74th Amendment to the Constitution which facilitate the transfer of management of Primary and Upper Primary School to Panchayat/Local bodies?	(c) Prior to 1994 Primary Education was looked after by the Local Bodies. However, the State was compelled to take over the management of such schools in 1993 due to mismanagement. However, the Local Bodies are at liberty to set up Primary and Upper Primary Schools.

Economic Development

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri D. D. LAPANG (Chief Minister in-charge, Industries)
54.	Will the Minister in-charge, Industries be pleased to state:-
(a)	Whether it is a fact there is no scope for establishment of industries for economic development of the State?	(a) No, Sir.
(b)	If so, the reasons thereof and the remedial measures to be taken?	(b) Does not arise in view of (a) above.

Employment Policy

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri D. D. LAPANG (Chief Minister in-charge, Planning)
55.	Will the Chief Minister be pleased to state:-
(a)	The planned economic and social employment policy noted out by Government?	(a) The State strategic for economic development are laid out in the State 10th Five Year Plan.
(b)	If so, narrate the objective?	(b) Does not arise in view of (a) above.

Sick Industrial

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri D. D. LAPANG (Chief Minister in-charge, Industries)
56.	Will the Chief Minister be pleased to state:-
(a)	The number of sick Industrial units identified by the Government in the State?	(a)	(i)	In respect of Small Scale Industrial Units (SSI) the third SSI Census 2001-2002 has identified 124 Nos. of SSI units as "incipiently sick".
			(ii)	In respect of Public Sector Undertaking the following industrial units are identified as sick:
			1)	M/S. Meghalaya Bamboo Chips Ltd.
			2)	M/S. Meghalaya Watches Ltd.
			3)	M/S. Meghalaya Electronics Development Corporation.
(b)	In what way Government proposes to deal with those sick units?	(b)	(i)	The matter of sick SSI units it taken up with the concerned banks through the State Level Inter Institutional Committee (SLIIC) for their rehabilitation.
			(ii)	Fro M/S. Meghalaya Watches Ltd. Liquidation through VRS has been taken up, while for M/S. Meghalaya Bamboo Chips Ltd. and M/s. Meghalaya Electronics Development Corporation selective VRS, diversification and ensuring better productivity has been initiated.

Small Scale Industrial

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri D. D. LAPANG (Chief Minister in-charge, Industries)
57.	Will the Chief Minister be pleased to state:-
(a)	The number of small scale Industrial (SSI) units in the State?	(a) Sir, 4905 registered units as on 30th September, 2004.
(b)	The No. of persons affected by industrial sickness from Public Sector/State Public Enterprises?	(b) 162 Nos. Have been identified for VRS in 3 sick Public Sector industrial units.

Employment Opportunities

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri D. D. LAPANG (Chief Minister in-charge, Planning)
58.	Will the Chief Minister be pleased to state:-
(a)	Whether the Government has constituted a special group to find out creation of employment opportunities?	(a) Yes, Sir.
(b)	If yes, whether the projection has been made in consultation with the concern Sectoral Ministries?	(b) No, Sir.
(c)	If not, the reason thereof?	(c) Members have been appointed from different Department and from N.E.C., I.F.A.D, N.E.D.F.I. etc.

Overall Growth

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri D. D. LAPANG (Chief Minister)
59.	Will the Chief Minister be pleased to state:-
(a)	Whether it is a fact that good governance is one of the crucial factor needed to achieve overall growth in the State?	(a) Yes, Sir.
(b)	If so, relates the mechanism?	(b) Government seek to achieve 'Good Governance' through-
		(i) an accountable, stable, Citizen friendly and transparent Government.
		(ii) Effective implementation and monitoring of Government programmes and Schemes.
		(iii) an Effective mechanism for grievance redressal.
		(iv) E-Governance by which Information Technology is utilised for systemising and streamlining procedures and practices for the benefit of the end user.

Available Resources

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Dr. D. D. LAPANG (Chief Minister in-charge, Planning)
60.	Will the Chief Minister be pleased to state:-
(a)	Whether it is a fact that in some districts within the State development prospect, in terms of social indicators, do not match with the available resources and the inherent potential of the people. ?	(a), (b) & (c). The information is being collected.
(b)	If so, the reasons thereof?
(c)	If not, the name of the districts which are rich in mineral but are not Industrially developed and those with rich cultivable land but lacking behind in agricultural development?

Employment Intensive

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri F. LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Urban Affairs)
61.	Will the Minister in-charge, Urban Affairs be pleased to state:-
(a) (b)	Whether it is a fact that the construction undertaken by the Urban Affairs Department are link activities and are employment intensive? If so, the number of employment generated during 2003-04?	(a) & (b). While all projects undertaken by Urban Affairs Department generate some employment. National Slum Development Programme (NSDP) Urban Wage Employment Programme (UWEP) Special Urban Works Programme (SUWP) target direct creation of employment which amounted to 1,83,492 mandays in 2003-2004. Moreover all the projects undertaken by Urban Affairs Department are formulated under appropriate technical and financial parameters.
(c)	If not, whether it is a fact that due to outdated Laws and Policies governing Land, development had push the market underground which generate a host of undesirable practices?	(c) Does not arise in view of the reply at (a) & (b) above.

Transport and Allied Activities

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri J. D. RYMBAI (minister in-charge, Transport)
62.	Will the Minister in-charge, Transport be pleased to state:-
(a) (b)	Whether Transport and Allied activities provide employment to the State? If so, who give the largest share, those engage in Transport of Freight or road passengers?	(a) & (b). Meghalaya Transport Department keeps the statistics regarding various permits issued under the M.V.Act which fall under its purview. The statistics regarding employment generated by Transport and allied activities are not maintained.

Preventive Measure

Shri P. M. SYIEM			Shri H. D. R. LYNGDOH [Minister in-charge, Home (Police)]
63.	Will the Minister in-charge, Home be pleased to state the preventive measures taken by the Government on fire safety for Government buildings etc.?		Sir, no such preventive measures except a general vigilance by Government officers and staff against fire incidents through maintenance of electrical wiring and other causes of fire hazards.

Mid-Wives

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri SAYEEDULLAH NONGRUM (Minister in-charge, Health & Family Welfare)
64.	Will the Minister in-charge, Social Welfare be pleased to state:-
(a)	The number of mid-wives for each Blocks?	(a) Auxilary Nurses and Mid-wives posted Districtwise is as follows:-
		District	Numbers
		East Khasi Hills	138
		West Khasi Hills	108
		Ri-Bhoi District	52
		Jaintia Hills	128
		East Garo Hills	121
		West Garo Hills	147
		South Garo Hills	45
		___________________________________
		Total	739
(b)	Whether such mid-wives can cater to the need of the public within their jurisdiction?	(b) Yes Sir, within their respective jurisdiction.
(c)	If not, the reason thereof?	(c) However, there is some shortage of manpower, and consequently, the Indian Nursing Council norms may not be met in the hospitals.

Malnourished Children

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri M. N. MUKHIM (Minister in-charge, Social Welfare)
65.	Will the Minister in-charge, Social Welfare be pleased to state the policy of action to identify malnourished children?	The policy for identification of malnourished children are as follows:-
		Children below six years of age are to be identified and enlisted for supplementary nutrition on the basis of measuring the upper-mid-arm circumference and weight for age.
		All children below six years should be weighed at the time of initial survey. where weightment of children below six years at the time of initial survey is not feasible due to reasons such as non-receipt of weighing scales, growth charts etc., selection of children for the purpose of supplementary nutrition would be made by measuring upper mid-arm circumference with the help of the tri-coloured mid-arm circumference strip.

Project Scheme

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri PAUL LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Sports and Youth Affairs)
66.	Will the Minister in-charge, Sports be pleased to state:-
(a)	The total number of projects approved for execution during 2002-2003, 2003-2004?	(a) 28 (Twenty eight) Nos.
(b)	The total number of project scheme which required escalation?	(b) At present, there are no Projects which need escalation of cost.
(c)	The reasons thereof?	(c) Does not arise in view of (b) above.

Employment Exchange

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri SAYEEDULLAH NONGRUM (Minister, Labour)
67.	Will the Minister in-charge, Labour be pleased to state:-
(a)	The number of Educated unemployed youth registered with the Employment Exchange upto date?	(a) There are 21, 137 Educated unemployed youth on Live Register as on 31st December, 2003.
(b)	The measures Government adopted to clear the backlog of unemployment?	(b) Placement is subjected to demand by Employers/Establishment/Organisations in both Public and Private Sectors.
(c)	The method Government based the calculation of employment and unemployment?	(c) Number of Unemployed is based on Placement.

Growth of Unemployment

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri SAYEEDULLAH NONGRUM (Minister, Labour)
68.	Will the Minister in-charge, Labour be pleased to state:-
(a)	The growth of unemployment with the present employment elasticity at the end of the financial year?	(a) & (b) The information is being collected.
(b)	If the growth is higher, the factors responsible, whether socio economic or political ground?	(a) & (b) The information is being collected.

Job Opportunities

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri D. D. LAPANG (Chief Minister in-charge, Planning)
69.	Will the Minister in-charge, Labour be pleased to state:-
(a)	The mechanism Government is taking to deal with the problem of creating job opportunities against a potential job demand in the State?	(a) The State Government vide Notification dated 01.10.2003 has constituted the Meghalaya Resource and Employment Generation Council with a view to access the prospects of employment generation and other related issues in the State.
(b)	How many jobs are required to be created each year to meet the demand?	(b) Sir, process is being initiated shortly.

Labour Intensive Sectors

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Dr. D. D. LAPANG (Chief Minister in-charge, Planning)
70.	Will the Minister in-charge, Labour be pleased to state:-
(a)	Whether it is a fact that there are many Labour intensive sectors where employment growth can be achieved if right kind of sectoral policies can be put in place?	(a) Yes, Sir.
(b)	If so, the name of the sectors where growth can be rejuvenated along with the policies?	(b) The information is being collected.

Horticulture Development

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri H. D. R. LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Agriculture)
71.	Will the Minister in-charge, Agriculture be pleased to state?
(a)	The names of the schemes earmarked by the Central Government for Horticulture Development during 2003-2004?	(a) The Technology Mission for Integrated development of Horticulture.
(b)	Whether such schemes had received sanction for implementation?	(b) Yes, Sir.
(c)	If so, the names of the Villages/Individuals/amount in kind and in cash allotted to each within East Khasi Hills District/Jaintia Hills District/Ri Bhoi District and East Garo Hills District?	(c) The information is being collected.

Public Investment

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri H. D. R. LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Agriculture)
72.	Will the Minister in-charge, Agriculture be pleased to state?
(a)	Whether the Government is aware that there is a need to step up public investment in agriculture?	(a) The Public Investment in Agriculture has been increasing the State year after year. However, given the scope of Agriculture, it is to be noted that mere increases in Public investment in Agriculture will not be sufficient. The Government feels that there is also a case for making the private investments flow into Agriculture which will be possible only when Agriculture per se becomes remunerative and value addition and processing systems are well developed.
(b)	If yes, the steps Government has taken for employment generation?	(b) All Public investments that the department makes in Agriculture/Horticulture will have some effect on employment generation and creation of opportunities for the youth and women. However, specifically, Agricultural mechanization, and Horticulture promotion under the Technology mission, through high value crops are seen as thrust areas for the generation of employment by the Government.

Development of the Farmers

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri H. D. R. LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Agriculture)
73.	Will the Minister in-charge, Agriculture be pleased to state?
(a)	The policy and programme the department adopted for overall development of the Farmers?	(a) All the plan schemes of the department are oriented towards the development of the overall well-being of the farmers of the State. The Agriculture Department has been consistently striving towards improving the production and productivity of the various field crops, pulses and oil seeds. There are specific schemes designed for each of these broad categories of crops. The impact of the Schemes launched by the State in Agriculture sector is felt by the farmers and also on the economy of the State both in terms of increases in area as well as production under all the categories mentioned above. Operationally, the schemes are earmarked for the supply of inputs, including the High Yielding Varieties, Agricultural mechanization including the subsidized supply of the Power Tillers, elaborate extension and training systems, and research relating to soils, etc. The number of farmers benefited by the Department's schemes are too numerous to be listed. Further, it is to be noted that the benefits are not just the tangible benefits, there are several indirect benefits, that flow to the farmers thorough the investments that the department makes in Agriculture.
(b)	The number of Farmers benefited from such policy and programme, during 2003-2004?	(b) Numerous numbers benefited directly or indirectly which cannot be quantified.

Employment Opportunities

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri H. D. R. LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Agriculture)
74.	Will the Minister in-charge, Agriculture be pleased to state the initiative the Government has taken towards opening up more employment opportunities in area link with Agriculture?	1. Approved Dealers of Fertilizers, Pesticides, Seeds. 2. Self-employment through participatory approach in Watershed Development Project.
		3. Food & Vegetables processing.
		4. Agro-service Centre.
		5. Mushroom cultivation.
		6. Floriculture.
		7. Tea cultivation.
		8. Seed production.
		9. Cashew nut Plantation.
		10. Distribution of Agril. Machineries at subsidized rate like Power Tillers etc.
		11. Training by BATC for self employment in the above fields.

Irrigation Facilities

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri H. D. R. LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Agriculture)
75.	Will the Minister in-charge, Agriculture be pleased to state?
(a)	The total cultivable land in the State provided with Irrigation facilities for the last 3 years?	(a) Sir, the total Command Area covered by the Irrigation Projects completed during the last 3 years is 1317.26 Ha.
(b)	The total amount spent for the project and the number of farmers benefitted from the project?	(b) (i) Amount spent-Rs.791.07 lakhs. (ii) No. of benefeciaries-1012 families.

Irrigation Projects

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri H. D. R. LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Agriculture)
76.	Will the Minister in-charge, Agriculture be pleased to state?
(a)	The no. of Irrigation projects completed/started in Garo Hills during the last five years?	(a) Sir, the number of Irrigation Project Completed/started in Garo Hills during the last 5 years are as follows:-
		(i) Completed -13 (Thirteen) Nos. (ii) Ongoing - 9 (Nine) Nos.
(b)	The total amount earmarked for all the projects meant for Garo Hills?	(b) As per the approved Plan Budget 2004-05 the amount earmarked for Garo Hills is Rs.323.21 lakhs.
(c)	The extent of economics condition of the farmers had improved after the provision of irrigation facilities?	(c) With the provision of the Irrigation facilities, the farmers are able to intensify their cultivation and go for double and multiple cropping.

Water Supply Scheme

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Dr. D. D. LAPANG (Chief Minister in-charge, Public Health Engineering)
77.	Will the Minister in-charge, Public Health Engineering be pleased to state:-
(a)	The present position of the W.S.S. meant for enroute villages from Mawphlang to Upper Shillong?	(a) The present position of different components of Mawphlang-Upper Shillong on route to villages water supply scheme is as follows:

Sl. No.	Components	Position
1.	Intake arrangement	Completed
2.	RCC pump	Completed
3.	Pump house	Completed
4.	Pumps and pumping system	Laying of rising main completed and action on procurement of pumps has been initiated.
5.	Main reservoir	Completed
6.	Zonal reservoir	Works are being taken up
7.	7 Feeder main	Laying of the 1st 5 Kms 300 mm diameter DI gravity feeder main completed. Work for remaining 8.5 Km is in progress.
8.	Drawal of line	In progress.

(b)	The amount spent and the distance upto which pipe has been laid?		(b) The amount spent is Rs.361.54 lacs. Gravity feeder main has been laid upto a distance of 5 Km.
(c)	The expected time when the project will be completed?		(c) March 2005.

Allotment of Fund

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri H. D. R. LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Agriculture)
78.	Will the Minister in-charge, Agriculture be pleased to state?
(a)	The policy of implementation of the Central Scheme in terms of fund allotment to various Districts?	(a) (i) As per cropped areas covered under relevant crops.
		(ii) As per suitability and prospects of the areas for the particulars Central Scheme.
(b)	The District which received the highest amount?	(b) The amount differs for each Central Schemes (Details shown in Annexure I).
	Whether allotment has been utilized?	(c) Yes, Sir.
(d)	If so, in what way it has improved the economic condition of the beneficiaries?	(d) Each of the above schemes has a different impact on the farmers. For e.g., the productivity of the soil increases by the Soil amendments made through the application of Lime to the Acid soils, while promotion of Agricultural mechanization improves the crop productivity and brings more revenues to the farmers by cutting the labour costs. Likewise, against each of the schemes, the department observes that a different kind of benefit flows to the farmers and overall well being improves. Since the benefits are both tangible as well as intangible it would be hard to quantify the intangibles.

Processing Unit

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri H. D. R. LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Agriculture)
79.	Will the Minister in-charge, Agriculture be pleased to state?
(a)	How many tonnes of fruits/vegetables is required at the Agriculture processing unit in Shillong/Tura?	(a) Shillong 40 MT. Dainadubi - 25 MT
(b)	Whether Government purchased fruits direct from the farmers or through middle men?	(b) Through inviting open tender, where farmers also participate.

Agricultural Growth

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri H. D. R. LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Agriculture)
80.	Will the Minister in-charge, Agriculture be pleased to state?
(a)	Whether Agricultural growth in the State is increasing or decreasing?	(a) Yes, Sir.
(b)	The increase/decrease in percentage?	(b) Statement enclosed.

Food Processing

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri H. D. R. LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Agriculture)
81.	Will the Minister in-charge, Agriculture be pleased to state?
(a)	Whether the Government is aware that food processing is an important employment generating activity?	(a) Yes.
(b)	If so, the quantity of fruits and vegetables produced in the State?	(b)	Items		Production
			Fruits	-	2,04,117 M.T.
			Vegetables	-	1,69,971 M.T

Agricultural Produced

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri H. D. R. LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Agriculture)
82.	Will the Minister in-charge, Agriculture be pleased to state?
(a)	The reason why the Government does not allow the sales of agricultural produced at Iewduh?	(a) Government does not interfere in retail sale of Agriculture produce at Iewduh, except for Wholesale transaction of notified Agricultural produce as per provision of the Meghalaya Agricultural Produce Market Act. 1980.
(b)	Whether the Mawiong regulatory market function to the best satisfaction of the Farmers?	(b) Yes, Sir.
(c)	If so, in what way?	(c) (i) To get rid of malpractices which are existing in the unregulated market.
		(ii) To provide better market infrastructure for efficient marketing of farmers produce.

Central Sector Project

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Shri H. D. R. LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Agriculture)
83.	Will the Minister in-charge, Agriculture be pleased to state?
(a)	The number of Central Sector projects sanctioned during 2003-2004 for implementation in the State?	(a) Sir, one number, the National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA) two in each Block.
(b)	Whether such project benefitted the farmers?	(b) Yes, Sir.
(c)	If so, the detailed derived from such projects both long term and short term?	(c) Sir, the detail benefit derived from this Project.
		1. Community Organisation like - (A) Community Hall, drinking water tank-cum-washing shed, manual water pump for drinking purposes, wooden bridge, foot path etc.
		(B) Honorarium to the village based community organisation for organisers for nurturing the Self Help Group/User Groups relate to thrift activities and other relating matters.
		(C) Publicity regarding Programmes and guidelines.
		(D) Corpus Fund to watershed communities.
		2. Training Programme - (a) Training and exposure visit of WA/WC/SHG/UG.
		(b) Training programme and Orientation courses for PIA; implementators and WDT etc.
		(c) National and State Level training programme for trainers, orientation for senior Officers.
		3. Development Components.
		(i) Arable land - (a) Soil and Water Conservation activities.
		(b) Agronomic conservation practices.
		(c) Other measures.
		(ii) Non Arable Land -
		(a) Run Off Management-Structures
		(b) Water Harvesting structures-cum-fishery pond.
		(c) Dry land Horticulture.
		(d) Conservation and development of Bio Gas.
		(e) Drainage Lines.
		(f) Upper Reaches, Middle Reaches, Lower Reaches, Gabian structures, Removal of nala congestion.
		4. Farm Production System for land owning families-
		(a) Establishment of composite nurseries and Kisan nurseries.
		(b) Testing and demonstration of new technologies.
		(c) Adoption of proven technologies.
		5. Livelihood support system for landless families-
		(a) Households production System-Poultry, Piggery, goat rearing, bee-keeping production of biofertilizer, mushroom cultivation etc.
		(b) Service Sector-Carpentry, black smithy, leather, work.
		(c) Biomass-based rural industry-basket making, rope making, wood-carving, toy making, improve loom, mat making and other traditional activities especially for women.

Crow Borough Building

Shri P. M. SYIEM		Smti. D. C. MARAK (Minister in-charge, Tourism)
84.	Will the Minister in-charge, Tourism be pleased to state?
(a)	The amount Government paid to the Contractor of Crow Borough Building as out of Court settlement?	(a) Rs.1,93,98,068.
(b)	From which head of Account the money was paid?	(b) "3452-Tourism-102-Tourist Accommodation-(10)-Acquisition of land & building on Crowborough-53-Major works, Land & Building-General-(Non-Plan)" 2004-05.