Shillong, June 15: Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Wednesday refuted the allegations against the ongoing construction of the Patharkhmah Model Degree College in Ri Bhoi District.
Funded under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), the Patharkhmah Model Degree College was one among the new model colleges, whose foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 3, 2019.
However, recent reports have alleged that cracks have developed in the under-construction building of the model degree college.
When asked, Rymbui told reporters that that the college is yet to be fully completed and the cracks were of the expansion joint of the two separate buildings that are there.
He said regarding the allegation that the lift has not been installed is because due to unavailability of electricity supply adding as far as the road is concerned, it was never part of the project.
Rymbui said in fact two years back, the government had tried to avail funds through the PMGSY for construction of the road to the model college. However, a circular issued by the Ministry of Rural Development had stated that the road below 5 kms cannot be taken under the PMGSY.
Further, the minister informed that the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had chaired a meeting ten days ago and decided to construct proper roads not only to ensure connectivity to the Patharkhmah model degree college but also for Rongjeng College of Urban Planning and Architecture and the Captain Williamson Sangma Technical University.
“He (CM) had assured to locate funds for construction of the roads to these colleges,” he said.
When asked, Rymbui said that the government will ensure corrective measures are being taken if required.
“We will do it because the bill has not been cleared to the contractor concerned and also the third-party audit of the same has not been completed,” he added.
In the meantime, the minister said the department is in touch with the MeECL to ensure immediate power supply is provided to the college even as he informed that the government has already approved the proposal for creation of posts to ensure smooth functioning of the college.
