Shillong, June 2: Meghalaya chief minister D.D. Lapang today said the state government proposes to create three new sub-divisions. Lapang announced this at a meeting with the 12th Finance Commission this morning. While seeking the “support of the commission,” Lapang said the three new units of civil administration would be at Pynursla in East Khasi Hills district, at Patharkhma in Ri Bhoi district and at Tikrikilla in West Garo Hills district.
Several political parties and legislators, especially from the Garo hills, have also been demanding creation of three more districts, two in Garo hills and one in Jaintia hills.
“Bringing the administration closer to the people has been our endeavour,” Lapang said.
He urged the commission to recommend “a special grant” of Rs 100 crore for each of the proposed sub-divisions.
The 12th Finance Commission, under the chairmanship of C. Rangarajan was on a two-day visit to the state to assess the financial needs of the state during the next Five Year annual plan.
Political parties today requested the commission to recommend their demand for the creation of three districts in Meghalaya.
Members of the commission had a series of meetings with political parties, representatives from NGOs, commerce and industries state government officials during the last 24 hours.
Lapang also urged the commission to recommend “a one-time special grant” for local bodies like the six municipalities and four town committees that were set up to provide civic services to the people.
The Meghalaya government also made a strong plea to the commission to bail the state out of the debt burden.
Rangarajan told The Telegraph that he was happy at the way the state had maintained its fiscal position.