Shillong, March 12: Participating in the budget discussion, East Shillong legislator Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh covered many aspects of health, education, rural livelihood to water and power supply, sports and arts & culture.

“If this budget empowers rural Meghalaya, then go for it and take us through this journey even though we sit in the opposition,” Lyngdoh told the Treasury bench.

Regarding the aim of the government to make Meghalaya the tenth best state in India, the Congress MLA said, ”Our health, power, billing system should be conducive to reach that target. The government should ensure that every citizen has at least three meals a day, a roof over their head, a safe environment and better education facilities.”

During her discussion she stresses on issues like the construction of entry-exit points across the state, teachers and also on the need to strengthen the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), Lyngdoh took cognizance of the sanctioned amount of Rs 711 crore for the ADCs and suggested putting in place a Financing Commission to position funding pattern to the Councils similar to the Panchayati Raj system.

Mawsynram legislator HM Shangpliang highlighted on various issues that needs the state Government’s attention. His budget discussion stresses on various sanction and up-gradation of health centres. He also stresses on the immediate repair of roads and bridges, need to extend the Aquaculture Mission to the plain belt of Mawsynram (East Khasi Hills) as it is conducive for rearing fish and others.

He also urged the Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, Prestone Tynsong, to consider setting up of one cattle ranch at Janiaw village close to Mawsynram as the area is fit for grazing.

“There has been no effort to extend the Aquaculture Mission along the plain belt of Mawsynram, fish is being continuously imported from Bangladesh,” he said.

Shangpliang also highlighted the need to improve and enhance tourism and sports activities in Mawsynram to boost the economy and generate local employment.

Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem termed the budget “comprehensive” but stated that there are a few points that require pro-active steps to be taken by the government.

These include – implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP), strengthening of the ADCs through the 6th Schedule and the inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the 8th Schedule.

He also pointed out that there was no proper mention in the budget on the safety of women and suggested strengthening the anti-human trafficking cell and women police stations in the state.

Umroi legislator George B Lyngdoh emphasised the need to revive the economy post-COVID-19 by plugging the loopholes and bringing in strict measures to prevent the leakage of revenue.