SHILLONG, March 19 — Meghalaya Governor MM Jacob today admitted that there had been serious allegations of corruption in the government during the last few years and assured that the new Government would strive to provide clean, transparent and efficient governance.
In his maiden address to the members of the newly constituted seventh Meghalaya Assembly here today, the Governor promised “concrete steps will be taken to strengthen the vigilance set-up in the State to deal effectively with corruption in the Government.” The hour-long address spoke of the State Government’s firm commitment to maintain law and order and to tackle the problems posed by the banned militant outfits. “However, the door for dialogue will remain open.”
Taking serious note of the continuing infiltration of foreign national into the State, Jacob informed the House that the Centre will be moved to extend the scheme of multi-purpose identity cards to Meghalaya also. “The State Government also desires strengthening of BSF deployment along the Indo-Bangladesh border to check infiltration and cross-border movement of militants,” he said.
The Governor identified agriculture and allied services including irrigation, rural development, road communication, education, health and water supply as the priority areas of the Government during the first year of its tenure. Power and industries sectors will also receive special attention, he said.
Stressing that the Government attaches utmost importance to the health sector, he disclosed that the policy of five years compulsory service in the rural areas will be strictly enforced in order to meet the shortage of doctors in the rural areas. “The Government will also appoint doctors and other skilled manpower from outside on deputation and contrast to meet the shortage of staff,” he told the 60-member House.
Stating that the industrial scene of the State is encouraging, Jacob said 136 industrial proposals have been approved by the Single Window Agency since it was set up in 1997. Of these, 36 have been set up and 57 under implementation. The investment involved in these units will be more than Rs 460 crore. Besides, 4,000 small scale units have also been registered till now. But the power scene is causing concern with the State turning a deficit State. The demand for power has increased to 235 MW against the installed capacity of 185 MW. The peak demand is likely to go up further to 320 MW by 2007, the Governor said.