Meghalaya Legislative Assembly

MEGHALAYA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

WINTER SESSION

STARRED

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Wednesday, the 13th December, 2006

Malaria Diseases

Shri M. SUCHIANG

Shri E. D. MARAK
(Minister in-charge, Health & Family Welfare)

*34. Will the Minister in-charge, Health &
Family Welfare be pleased to state:-

a) Whether it is fact that the environment in
the State is conducive to the breeding of
mosquitoes carrying the P. F. strain of Malaria?

(a) Yes Sir.

(b) If So, the districts that are most badly
affected by the above disease?

(b) Sir, all the Districts of the State are affected.

(c), (d) &(e). Sir, up -to-date information is being collected.

(d) The number of deaths in each district?

(e) when compared with the record of
previous years whether the incidence
of the disease is on the rise?

(f) The steps that need to be taken to
control the spread of the disease?

(f) (i) Spraying of D.D.T.
    (ii) Community participation through IEC.
    (iii) Intensive surveillance.
    (iv) Mass single dose radical treatment and blood
         Survey.
    (v) Health Education to the to the community to
        accept 100% of D.D.T. Spray.
    (vi) Open up of Drugs distribution Centre (DDC) &
        Fever Treatment Depot (FTD).

Payment of Bills to Contractors

Shri SENGMAN R. MARAK

Shri. BRENING A. SANGMA
[Minister in-charge, P.W.D (Roads)]

*35.Will the Minister in-charge, Public Works
be pleased to State:-

(a) Whether it is fact that the Contractors
did not get their payment of bill from the 2nd
quarter LOC under Tura North Division?

(a) No, Sir.

(b) If so, the reasons thereof?

(b) Does not arise in view of reply to (a) Above, Sir.

(c) Rs.1331.76 lakhs( Rupees One Thousand Three Hundred Thirty one lakhs and Seventy Six Thousand) only, for plan Scheme as well as Non-plan head of Account, Sir.

Selection of SGRY Scheme

Shri P.M. SYIEM

Smti I. LYNGDOH
(Minister in-charge, C&RD)

*36. Will the Minister in-charge, Community
& Rural Development be pleased to state :-

(a) Whether SGRY 10% for selection of
scheme had been completed for East Khasi
Hills, West Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi District and
Jaintia Hills?

(a), (b) &(c).
Information being collected, Sir.

(b) If the answer to (a) is in the affirmative,
the mode of selection and the names of schemes selected?

12th Finance Award from Garo Hills District Council

Shri E.K. SANGMA

Shri PRESTONE TYNSONG
(Minister in-charge, District Council Affairs)

*37. Will the Minister in-charge, District
Council Affairs be pleased to state :-

(a) Whether it is a fact that the grant under
12th Finance Award to the Garo Hills
Autonomous District Council has lapsed/
for feited?

(a), (b)& (c).
Sir, an amount of Rs.184.32 lakhs have been sanctioned to the Garo Hills autonomous District Council as first installment from the 12th Finance Commission Award.

(b) If so, the reason thereof?

Hydel Power Project

Shri. BILLYKID A. SANGMA

Dr. DONKUPAR ROY
(Minister in-charge, Power)

*38. Will the Minister in-charge, Power be pleased to state :-

(a) The delay in implementing the 132 KV D/C alternative transmission line from Agia (Assam) to Nongal via Mendi for improved power supply in Garo Hills?

(a) The schemes is awaiting clearance from North Eastern Council, Sir.

(b) The present status of 2x12.5 MW Ganol Hydel Power Project?

(b) The detail Project Report is expected to be ready by March 2007.

(c) Sir, due to unsatisfactory response earlier from other parties Government is exploring the feasibility of taking up this project with North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd., for a 3x250 MW capacity.

Mustem-Iongnoh -Chyrmang Road

Shri S. MULIEH

Shri BRENING A. SANGMA
[Minister in-charge, P.W.D. (Roads)]

*39. Will the Minister in-charge Public Works
(Roads) be pleased to state:-

(a) The progress of Mustem - Iongnoh- Chyrmang Road?

(a) Sir, the progress of the work is 60%.

(b) The total length of the road Blacktopped?

(b) 2.00 Km, Sir.

(c) Sir, proposal for construction of 3 (three) Nos of Bridges was projected under PMGSY Phase III but the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India categorize it under upgradation and hence did not approve the same.

(d) If not, the reasons thereof?

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

Unemployment Problem in the State

Shri P.T. SAWKMIE

Shri J.D. RYMBAI
(Chief Minister in-charge, Planning)

*40. Will the Minister in-charge, Personnel be
pleased to state the comprehensive policy taken
up by the Government to tackle unemployment
problem in the State?

The matter is under consideration of the Government.

Modernization and Upgradation of Civil Hospitals

Shri A.L. HEK

Shri E. D. MARAK
(Minister in-charge, Health & Family Welfare)

*41. Will the Minister in-charge, Health and
Family Welfare be pleased to state the steps
taken by the Department to modernize and
Upgrade the different Civil Hospitals of the
State?

Sir, upgradation and modernization is a continuing process and some of the major programmes are specified below:-

i.	200 beds at Civil Hospital, Shillong is being added.
ii.	100 beds at Civil Hospital, Tura is being added.
iii.	Construction of separate Woman & Children Hospital at Tura.
iv .	Tele-medicines facilities at Civil Hospital, Shillong and proposal is sent to ISRO for Jowai and Tura.
v.	Construction of new Civil Hospital at Ialong, Jowai.
vi.	Construction of new Civil Hospital at Nongstoin and Nongpoh.
vii.	Separate OPD Wings for Civil Hospital, Shillong.
viii .	Establishment of ICU facilities at Civil Hospital, Shillong.
ix.	Installation of C. T. Scan, Ultra Sound Machine, C-Arms Monitor etc.
x.	Separate Eye Hospital for Civil Hospital, Shillong.
xi.	Hospital Management Software is under consideration for installation at Ganesh Das Hospital, Shillong on trial.
xii.	Training of Man-Power.

Popularisation of Information Technology

Shri MANAS CHOUDHURI

Shri R. G. LYNGDOH
(Minister in-charge, Information Technology)

*42.Will the Minister in-charge, Information
& Technology be pleased to state ;-

(a) The steps taken to make Information
Technology popular among students in the State?

(a) Government is collaboration with M/s CISCO, a premier networking company in the world has facilitated the setting up networking training programmes in selected colleges of the state. Courses on It Enabled services are conducted in collaboration with DOEACC, a Government of India society. colleges in the State are also being supported financially for obtaining dedicated internet connectivity for the benefit of the students. In addition, Government in the education department facilitates computer literacy & Studies amongst students through Schemes like computer Literacy & Studies in School (Class), financial assistance for purchase of computers by schools through Finance Commission award, Innovative under Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) & NEC Schemes. Students in rural areas also have access to 32 Community Information Centres (CICs) set up by Government of India where PC's with internet connectivity are provided.

(b) To what extent has the NEC helped the
State in this regard?

(b) The North Eastern Council (NEC) has extended financial assistance for provision of computer hardware in schools and for training of teachers.

(c) A proposal has been submitted to the NEC for consideration and sanction, for providing computers to certain categories of meritorious students.

Relief Measures for Farmers

Shri BOLDNESS L. NONGUM

Dr. DONKUPAR ROY
(Deputy Chief Minister in-charge, Revenue Disaster Management)

*43.Will the Minister in-charge, Relief and
Rehabilitation be pleased to state :-

(a) Whether the Government is aware that
Hails-storm has damaged paddy in the State
last October particularly at Mairang Civil
Sub-Division?

(a) Yes Sir, some part of the State, including Mairang Civil Sub-Division were affected.

(b) The amount earmarked for the
affected farmers as Relief measures?

(b) The relief measures proposed to the affected farmers is as per the prescribed norms of assistance.

Cement plants in Jaintia Hills

Shri. M. SUCHIANG

Shri. J. D. RYMBAI
Chief Minister in-charge, Industries)

*44.Will the Minister in-charge, Industries
be pleased to state :-

(a) The total numbers and names of
cement plants in Jaintia Hills?

(a) There are three functioning Cement Plants, they are:-

(1)	M/S Jaintia Cement Ltd. Sutnga, Jaintia Hills District.
(2)	M/S Cements Manufacturing Co. Ltd, Lumshnong, Jaintia Hills District.
(3)	M/S Meghalaya Cements Ltd, LumShnong, Jaintia Hills District.

(b) Dates from which the respective
cement plants started functioning?

(b)

(1)	M/S Jaintia Hills Cements Ltd: 01.01.1993.
(2)	M/S Cements Manufacturing Co. Ltd: 01.02.2005.
(3)	M/S Meghalaya Cements Ltd, 01.04.06.

(c)

(1)	M/S Jaintia Cements Ltd: 150 TPD
(2)	M/S Cements Manufacturing Co. Ltd: 1800 TPD
(3)	M/S Meghalaya Cements Ltd: 900 TPD

(d) The employment ratio between tribals and non-tribals in each of the plans?

(d)

(1)	M/S Jaintia Cements Ltd:60%
(2)	M/S Cements Manufacturing Co. Ltd: 69%
(3)	M/S Meghalaya Cements Ltd: 63%

(e) The total area of the district that has lime-stone deposit, and its quantity?

(e) Information is being collected from the Directorate of Minerals Resources.

Cash Crop Division

Shri SENGMAN R. MARAK	Shri M. N. MUKHIM (Minister in-charge, Soil & Water Conservation)
*45. Will the Minister in-charge, Soil Conservation & Forest be pleased to state:-
(a) The number of Range and Beat Offices under Cash Crop Division in South Garo Hills District?	(a) 2 Nos. Soil conservation Range Offices and 1 No. Beat Officer, Sir.
(b) Whether all the Range and Beat Offices are functioning?	(b) Yes, Sir.
(c) If the answers to (b) above is in the affirmative, the names of the Range and Beat Officers thereon?	(c)
	(i) Shri Harlow D. Sangma, Range Officer, Baghmara Soil & Water Conservation (Cash Crop) Range.
	(ii) Shri Gujalson K. Sangma Range Officer, Chokpot Soil & Water Conservation (Cash Crop) Range, Chokpot.
	(iii) Shri Endeth R. Sangma, Beat Officer, under Rongara Beat Office.

Expenditure/Utilization of Plan outlay

Shri P. M. SYIEM	Shri M. N. MUKHIM (Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Power)
*46. Will the Minister in-charge, Soil and Water Conservation be pleased to state the detail expenditure with regard to the plan outlay for this sector of Rs.1,450.00 Lakhs during 2005-06. How was it utilized for the overall development and benefit of the State?	The detailed break-up of expenditure for the plan outlay during 2005-2006 is placed on the Table of the House, Sir. The amount was evenly utilized in all the District of the State, Sir.

Alternative Supply Line to Nongalbibra

Shri E. K. SANGMA	Dr. DONKUPAR ROY (Deputy Chief Minister in-charge, Revenue Disaster Management)
*47. Will the Deputy Chief Minister in-charge, Power be pleased to state:-
(a) The latest position of the proposed project of alternative supply line from Agia to Nongalbibra?	(a) Sir, all mandatory clearances, for construction of the line, have been obtained. The revised project report and EFC memorandum, as well as the replies to the queries of the Ministry of Finance and of the Planning Commission, Government of India, have been submitted to the Adviser (Power), North Eastern Council (NEC). The approval from the concerned Authorities is awaited.
(b) When will the work be started and completed?	(b) The Work will start after the approval and funding from the concerned Authorities has been obtained. The construction time is expected to be between 2 to 3 years.

Land for setting up of PHC

Shri BILLYKID A. SANGMA	Shri E. D. MARAK (Minister in-charge, Health & Family Welfare)
*48. Will the Minister in-charge, Health & Family Welfare be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether the Government is aware that the land in which the present Female Health Workers' School is running was given free for setting up of PHC?	(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) Whether the Government has any plan in the immediate future for setting up the PHC in which the land has enough space for betterment of the people?	(b) No, Sir.
(c) If not, the reason thereof?	(c) Sir, since the land has been utilized for construction of female Health Worker Training School, therefore there is no immediate plan for setting up of PHC as Rongkhon is approximately 10 k. m away from Tura town where health facilities are available.

Traffic Congestion

Shri. S. MULIEH	Shri BRENING A. SANGMA [Minister in-charge, P.W.D. (Roads)]
*49. Will the Minister in-charge, Public Works (Roads) be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether the Government is aware that the existing roads in Jowai Town is very congested and creates heavy traffic jam?	(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) If so, the steps Government has taken to ease the congestion?	(b) Sir, the Department is in the process of taking steps to ease the traffic congestion as noted below:-
	1.Implementation of 4-lane Jowai Bye-Pass.
	2. Improvement of a road from Myntdu Bridge (NH-44) towards Raitmulien to meet Jowai-Badarpur road near Petrol Pump.
	3. Construction of a fly over starting from Lad Thalaboh junction to Jowai-Amlarem-Dawki road of NH-40 (800 metres length).

Ban on Child Labour

Shri P.T. SAWKMIE	Shri E. D. MARAK (Minister in-charge, Labour)
*50. Will the Minister in-charge, Labour be pleased to state whether the Government has implemented the BAN on Child Labour in the State?	Yes.

Influx of Foreign Tourists

Shri A. L. HEK	Shri R. G. LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Tourism)
*51. Will the Minister in-charge, Tourism be pleased to state the steps taken by the Department to boost the influx of foreign tourists into the State?	Sir, the Department has been making efforts to increase the flow of foreign tourists visiting the State. Some steps taken are:-
	(1) Sponsoring and promotion of festivals such as Autumn Festival, winter festival and other traditional festivals of the State.
	(2) Improving of infrastructure through Central and State schemes.
	(3) Promoting adventure tourism like trekking by introducing new packages for tourists.
	(4) Participation in National and International Travel Marts.

Rabindra Art Gallery

Shri MANAS CHAUDHURI	Shri R. G. LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Arts & Culture)
*52. Will the Minister in-charge, Arts & Culture be pleased:-
(a) Whether a Rabindra Art Gallery exists at Brook Side Bungalow in Shillong?	(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) If so, the features of the Gallery?	(b) Display of Rabindranath Tagore reproductory paintings, contemporary & modern as well as price winning children paintings, Craft etc.

Non-Appointment of Muster-Rolls

Shri BOLDNESS L. NONGUM	Shri PRESTONE TYNSONG (Minister in-charge, Public health Engineering)
*53. Will the Minister in-charge, Public Health Engineering be pleased to state:-
(a) The reason for the delay in making functional the Pumping Scheme even after Construction Works has been completed for a number of years?	(a) Sir, the delay in making the pumping schemes functional after construction works are completed is mainly due to the delay in getting power supply.
(b) The reasons for non-Appointment of Muster-Rolls in the Department for the last 3 years?	(b) Muster Roll labourers could not be appointed because of paucity of funds under maintenance. However, the schemes are managed by the existing staff.

S. S. A. Scheme

Shri M. SUCHIANG	Shri P. TYNSONG (Minister in-charge, Elementary and Mass Education)
*54. Will the Minister in-charge, Mass & Elementary Education be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether it is a fact that Government Lower Primary Schools are also eligible for the benefits under the S.S.S. Scheme?	(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) If so, the total number of Government Lower Primary Schools that have received such benefits?	(b) 2539.
(c) Whether it is a fact that we still have single teacher Government Lower Primary Schools?	(c) Yes.
(d) If so, their names?	(d) A statement showing the names of the Single teacher Schools is placed on the Table of the House.

Border Fencing Works

Shri SENGMAN R. MARAK	Shri J. D. RYMBAI (Chief Minister in-charge, Industries)
*55. Will the Minister in-charge, Home (Police) be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether the Indo-Bangla International Border Fencing works is undertaken as per the prescribe Guidelines of Central Government?	(a) The fencing work is being undertaken by the Government of India. Guidelines to the implementing agency have been prescribed by the Government of India, and it is expected that these have been duly adhered to.
(b) If so, the latest position particularly from Moheskolla Mohadeo-Bonbera-_Adhachepa-Kanai upto Rongara under South Garo Hills district?	(b) Information is being collected.
(c) If the answer to (a) above is in the negative the fate of the effected families/households within the boundary fencing as they are losing their paddyland and other valuable properties?	(c) Does not arise in view of reply to (a) above.

Expenditure of Plan outlay

Shri P. M. SYIEM	Shri J. D. RYMBAI (Chief Minister in-charge, Industries)
*56. Will the Minister in-charge, Industries be pleased to state the expenditure with regard to the plan outlay for this sector of during 2005-06. How was it utilized for the overall development and benefit of the State?	Yes, Sir. The details of Expenditure of the Plan Outlay, 2005-2006 and its benefit is furnished herewith as per Statement placed on Table of the House.

Old Age Pension

Shri E. K. SANGMA	Smti I. LYNGDOH (Minister in-charge, Community & Rural Development)
*57. Will the Minister in-charge, Social Welfare be pleased to state:-
(a) The total amount the Old Age Pension a pensioner is getting per month?	(a) Sir, the amount of Old Age Pension was Rs.100.00 per month per beneficiary till the month of March, 2006. From the month of April, 2006 onwards, the amount is to be enhanced to minimum of Rs.200/- per beneficiary per month.
(b) The reason for inordinate delay in making the payment?	(b) Payment for 2005-06 have been released in full. Hence, there is no inordinate delay in making payment of Pension.
(c) the number of Old Age Pensioners in the State?	(c) 33776 nos.

Disparity in the Allotment of Funds

Shri. BILLYKID A. SANGMA	Shri BRENING A. SANGMA [Minister in-charge, P.W.D. (Roads)]
*58. Will the Minister in-charge, Public Works (Roads) be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether the Government is aware of the huge disparity in the bank of sanctions Schemes and the actual allotment of funds under the Tura North Division?	(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) If so, the steps being taken to redress the gap?	(b) Sir, the steps being taken are:-
	(i)	To complete all the spill-over schemes as far as possible with limited fund available, to avoid escalation.
	(ii)	To prioritise the new sanctioned schemes with consensus.
	(iii)	To restrict processing of New schemes to only very urgently required works.

Repairing of Roads at Jaintia Hills

Shri. S. MULIEH	Shri BRENING A. SANGMA [Minister in-charge, P.W.D. (Roads)]
*59. Will the Minister in-charge, Public Works (Roads) be pleased to state:-
(a) The present position of roads in Jaintia Hills?	(a) The Department take up the repair works to keep the road in good condition depending upon the availability of funds, Sir.
(b) The steps the Government had taken to repair the roads?	(b) Repairing of roads are taken up from time to time as per availability of funds, Sir.
(c) If not, the reason thereof?	(c) Does not arise in view of reply (b) above, Sir.

Controlling of Inflation

Shri. P. T. SWKMIE

Dr. DONKUPAR ROY
(Deputy Chief Minister in-charge, Finance)

*60. Will the Minister in-charge, Food & Civil Supplies be pleased to state whether there is any mechanism taken by the Government to control inflation in the state?

Sir, inflation arises in a situation where demand exceeds supply resulting in in persistent rise in prices. In the present economic dispensation in the country, control of inflation is primarily the concern of the Ministry of Finance/ Reserve Bank of India through fiscal/ monetary measures.

Yatriniwas at Shillong

Shri. A. L. HEK

Shri. R. G. LYNGDOH
(Minister in-charge, Tourism)

*61. Will the Minister in-charge, Tourism be pleased to state the reason why the Yatriniwas at Shillong meant for budgeted tourist, has not been commissioned till date?

Sir, due to non-sanction of the revised estimate submitted by the Central Public Works Department, the following works are not completed for commissioning of the building:-

(a)	External water supply.
(b)	Electric service connection.
(c)	Compound fencing.
(d)	Paving of entrance road.

Urban Rent Control Act

Shri. MANAS CHOUDHURI

Shri. PAUL LYNGDOH
(Minister in-charge, Urban Affairs)

*62. will the minister in-charge, Urban Affairs be pleased to state;-

(a) The object enacting Urban Rent Control Act in Meghalaya?

(a) Sir, the object of enacting Urban Rent Control Act is to fix fair rents of houses situated within the limits of urban areas in Meghalaya.

(b) The basic features of the law?

(b) The basic features of the Act are determination of standard rent/ fair, rent, duties of landlord and settlement of dispute by the court of law between the landlord and the rent.

(c) Government is not aware of the number of cases because as per as the Meghalaya Urban Areas Rent Control Act, dispute if any is taken to the court of law either by the landlord or the tenant.

Implementation of SSA Scheme

Shri BOLDNESS NONGUM

Shri. P. TYNSONG
(Minister in-charge, Elementary and Mass Education)

*63. Will the minister in-charge, Mass & Elementary Education be pleased to state:-

(a) The progress of implementation of the SSA Scheme in Meghalaya till date?

(a) Sir, The Progress of implementation of SSA in Meghalaya till date is as follows:-

(i)	837 primary Schools have been open.
(ii)	723 Upper Primary Schools have been open.
(iii)	TLE Grant has been sanctioned to 837 Primary Schools @ Rs. 10,000/- per School and 723 Upper primary Schools @ Rs.50,000/-- per school.
(iv)	School Grant @ Rs.2000/- per School has been given to all existing. Government and Government Aided Elementary School.
(v)	Teachers Grant @ Rs.500/- has been given to all teachers in Government and Government Aided Elementary Schools.
(vi)	1964 EGS Centers has been open.
(vii)	6579 Children with Special Needs have been identified.
(viii)	39 Blocks Resource Centers have been made operational.
(ix)	437 Cluster Resource Centers have been made operational.
(x)	8675 Teachers have been given in Service Training.
(xi)	2878 teachers has been deputed for the CPE Programme.
(xii)	Text Books has been given to121325 Primary School. Children and 61638 Upper Primary School Children.
(xiii)	90% of Civil Works sanctioned have been completed.
(xiv)	1st phase of Enrolment Drive has been completed.
(xv	The Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya has been made operational in Rongram Block in West Garo Hills.

(b) The Number of Upper- Primary and Lower-Primary school Building target to construct during 2004-2005,2005-2006 and 2006-20007 respectively under he SSA Scheme?

(b) The number of Upper Primary and Lower primary School building targeted to construct year wise is as follows:-

Year	Primary	Upper Primary
2004-05	Nil	Nil
2005-06	100	Nil
2006-07	790 subject to approval of Project Approval Board.	600 subject to approval of Project Approval Board.

Expenditure of plan outlay

Shri. P.M. SYIEM

Shri PAUL LYNGDOH
Minister in-charge, Sports and Youth affairs)

*64. Will the Minister in-charge, Sports and Youth affairs be pleased to state the expenditure with regard to the plan outlay for this sector during 2005-06. how was it utilised for the overall development and benefit of the State?

Sir, the expenditure with regard to the Plan Outlay for this sector is as follows:-
PLAN

-001.Direction & Admn.	=Rs.154.09(L)
-102. Youth Welfare Prog.	=Rs.12.00 (L)
-104. Sports & Games	=Rs.685.00(L)
-800 Other Expd.
(01)CMYDS	=Rs.27.50 (L)
(02)ISYDP	=Rs.150.00(L)
TOTAL	=Rs.1029.55(L)

The amount was utilized to create the basic sports infrastructure and facilities right from the village to block, District and State level, such facilities are being created in a phase manner so as to cover the entire State in the course of time. the Department has also rendered financial assistance and support to sports associations/ Clubs for conducting various Tournaments in different disciplines and also participation in National/Regional. Championship/ Holding of state/ National Regional Meet in the state. Conduct coaching camp in different discipline in different part of the state. Apart from the Department has organized other youth Activities such as, training of proposal in sports & Games, issuance of cash awards/ scholarship to the various Sports persons of different disciplines.

Condition of Roads

Shri E.K. SANGMA

Shri PAUL LYNGDOH
(Minister in-charge, Urban Affairs)

*65. Will the Minister in-charge, Urban Affairs be pleased to state :-

(a) Whether the Government is aware of the dilapidated condition of all the roads within Tura Town Area?

(a) No, Sir.

(b) Whether the Government is aware of the impending acute traffic congestion in Tura in the near future?

(b) Yes, Sir.

Illegal felling of Timber

Shri BILLYKID A. SANGMA

Shri M. N. MUKHIM
(Minister in-charge, Forest & Environment)

*66. Will the Minister in-charge, Forest & Environment be pleased to state :-

(a) Whether the Government is aware that the Government Forest Reserved covers only some area in the Tura Peak and the rest under Traditional areas including the main potable drinking water sources area are being destroyed by illegal timber cutting?

(a) The Department is not aware of any large scale illegal timber felling in areas outside its control.

(b) If so, whether steps to acquire the areas not covered at present will be taken immediately to restore the ecological balance?

(a) Does not arise.

Shortage at Chyrmang & Iongnoh village

Shri S. MULIEH

Shri PRESTONE TYNGSONG
(Minister in-charge Public Health Engineering)

*67. Will the Minister in-charge Public Health Engineering be pleased to state the reason for the acute water shortage at Chyrmang and Iongnoh village ?

Sir, Chyrmang and Iongnoh villages have been experiencing water shortage as pumping of water to the villagers is badly affected due to regular load shedding since 30th March 2006.

Sixth Pay Commission

Shri P.T. SAWKMIE

Dr. DONKUPAR ROY
(Deputy Chief Minister in-charge, Finance)

*68. Will the Minister in-charge Finance be pleased to state whether there is any proposal from the Government to set up Sixth Pay Commission in the State?

No Sir, some memorandum, submitted by Service Associations for setting up of Fourth Meghalaya Pay Commission are under examination of the Government.

Power Cuts

Shri A.L. HEK

Dr. DONKUPAR ROY
(Deputy Chief Minister in-charge, Power)

*69. Will the Minister in-charge Power be pleased to state :-

(a) Whether any contingencies has been made by the Government to prevent power cuts in the near future due to sancty of rainfall during the monsoons of 2006?

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) If so, the details thereof?

(b) Details of the Meghalaya Electricity Board contingency Plan are as follows :-

(i)	Regulation of own generation so as to conserve water at the Umiam Reservoir till next monsoon.
(ii)	The quantum of additional off-peak power purchase arranged is 40-80 MW w.e.f. November, 2006 to May, 2007. However due to limited quantum of purchase, it will not be possible to prevent power cuts (load shedding) during the stated period.

IIM in Shillong

Shri MANAS CHOUDHURI

Dr. DONKUPAR ROY
(Deputy Chief Minister in-charge, Higher and Technical Education)

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

(a) The preliminary steps taken to set up IIM in Shillong?

(a)

(i)	Land measuring 32.20 hectares has been handed over by the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority to Education Department for the purpose of setting up of the IIM in Shillong.
(ii)	The Interim Campus for IIM Shillong will function from the Mayurbhanj Complex. Repairs and renovation of the Interim Building to house the Administrative Block, classrooms, hostels etc. is being undertaken.

(b) The Projections for the Institute?

(b) Details not available with the State Government as the project is being implemented by the Government of India.

Establishment of Government Colleges

Shri BOLDNESS L NONGUM

Dr. DONKUPAR ROY
(Deputy Chief Minister in-charge, Higher and Technical Education)

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

(a) Whether there is any proposal to set up Government colleges in all the District of Meghalaya?

(a) Yes, Sir, Government is considering the proposal subject to the availability of fund.

(b) If the answer to (a) is in the affirmative the names of the colleges to be taken up as Government colleges during 2005-2006, 2006-2007?

(b) The Colleges will be decided on final approval of the proposal.

Scarcity of bitumen

Shri P.M. SYIEM

Shri BRENING A. SANGMA
[Minister in-charge, Public Works (Roads)]

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

(a) The reasons why there is scarcity of bitumen in all the divisions and sub-divisions?

(a) Bitumen is generally require to be procured by the contractors for the works entrusted to him. Carpetting since the last work to be executed in case of Metalling and Blacktopping scheme. So contractors does consolidation work first and submitted the bill. Due to insufficient fund, Executive Engineer's are not in the position to clear the full bill. Thus the contractors are reluctant to purchase the bitumen by expending hard cash. That's why there was scarcity of bitumen in all the Divisions and Sub-Divisions.

(b) Whether the shortage is due to failure of policy implementation by the Department?

(b) No, Sir.

(d) If not the present policy adopted for the smooth flow of bitumen to different divisions?

(d) Sir, the Shillong Central Division, P.W.D. (R) and the NH -CUM Tura Central Division, PWD (R) the procuring Division for the Department for Khasi and Jaintia hills and Garo hills respectively and the requiring Divisions will have to indent the Bitumen by making advance payment. Necessary clauses in NIT for Metalling and Blacktopping work are to be modified.

Paikan - Tura N/H- 51

Shri E. K. SANGMA

Shri BRENING A. SANGMA
[Minister in-charge, Public Works (Roads)]

*73. Will he Minister in-charge, Public Works (Roads &Buildings) be pleased to state:-

(a) Whether the Government is aware of the vast and glaring difference in the speed and quality of the work in Assam of Paikan - Tura N/H -51 ?

(a) No, Sir.

(b) If So, the reasons thereof?

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

Tura Polytechnic

Shri BILLYKID A. SANGMA

Dr. DONKUPAR ROY
(Deputy Chief Minister in-charge, Higher and Technical Education)

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

(a) Whether the Government is aware that Tura Polytechnic does not have permanent Faculties which creates insecurity among them and thus opting for other jobs leaving the institutions without expert faculties?

(a) Yes, Sir. All the faculties are appointed on contract basis till the project period is over.

(b) Whether the Government is planning to recognize the faculties and the other staff alike in the near future for better running of the institution?

(b) Yes, Sir.

Eradication of Malaria

Shri S. MULIEH

Shri E. D. MARAK
(Minister in-charge, Health & Family Welfare)

*75. Will the Minister in-charge, Health & Family Welfare be pleased to state :-

(a) The number of Malaria deaths reported in Jaintia Hills 2005-2006?

(a) Sir, the number of confirmed cases is 24.

(b) Whether the Government had provided adequate medicine to various C.H.C and P. H. C. to combat Malaria?

(b) Yes, Sir.

(c) Active surveillance, mass radical treatment, spray of D. D. T., public co-operation, Information Education and Communication (IEC) for cent percent acceptance of DDT Spraying to combat the disease.

M. P. S. C.

Shri P. T. SAWKMIE

Shri J. D. RYMBAI
(Chief Minister in-charge, Personnel, etc.)

*76. Will the Minister in-charge, Personnel be pleased to state whether there is any proposal from the Government to Amend the functioning on the M.P.S.C. in the state?

Sir. The functioning of the Public Service Commission is governed by constitutional provisions and it is not within State's jurisdiction to amend the said provisions.

Umiam Reservoir

Shri A. L. HEK

Dr. Donkupar Roy
(Deputy Chief minister in-charge, Power)

*77. Will the Minister in-charge power be pleased to state whether any steps had been taken by the Government to reduce siltation at Umiam reservoir?

Sir, Government constituted a Task Force to look into all aspects concerning the siltation and pollution of Umiam reservoir. A detailed Project Report has been prepared for this purpose and sent to NEC for funding.

Enumeration for the Family Identity Cards

Shri MANAS CHOUDHURI

Shri SHITLANG PALE
(Minister in-charge Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs)

*78. Will the Minister in-charge, Food & Civil Supplies be pleased to state:-

(a) When was the last enumeration for Family Identity Cards conducted in Greater Shillong area?

(a) In the year 1992.

(b) At what prescribed intervals are enumerations carried out under Essential Commodities Act?

(b) There are no such prescribed intervals under the Essential Commodities Act.

Malaria at Jakhong Area

Shri BOLDNESS NONGUM

Shri E. D. MARAK
(Minister in-charge, Health & Family Welfare)

*79. Will he Minister in-charge, Health & Family Welfare be pleased to state:-

(a) The Number of people who died of Malaria at Jakhong area (West Khasi Hill)?

(a) Sir, there is no confirmed death due to Malaria.

(b) The cause of such death?

(b) Does not arise.