Shillong, Mar 16: Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Banteidor Lyngdoh on Wednesday said the state government is pursuing with the Centre for setting up of a Central Agriculture University at Kyrdem Kulai, Ri Bhoi district.

“The matter is alive. Myself and the Chief Minister will keep on pursuing the matter (with the Centre),” Lyngdoh assured while replying to a query raised by North Shillong legislator Adelbert Nongrum in the Assembly.

He informed that the Ministry of Agriculture has assured that the proposal of the state government will be examined.

When Nongrum asked if the state is being cheated as the plot of land acquired in Kyrdem Kulai is no longer meant for the Central Agriculture University, Lyngdoh however, “We cannot say ‘cheating’ as this matter is still alive.”

“This matter is very serious for our state and this is the best time for us along with CM to pursue and expedite the matter to get the clear picture from the Government of India,” he said.

Mawsynram legislator Himalalya Shangpliang asked if the state government is aware that the Agriculture College at Kyrdem Kulai is enrolling employees from outside the state and that local people are being deprived of employment.

He also wanted to know if there is any agreement signed by the government with this college where employment for the local people should be given priority.

To this, the minister said the matter is being discussed with the Chief Minister from time to time to pursue this as the college is being manned by the Central Agriculture University from Imphal.