The House met at 10.00 a.m. with the Hon'ble Speaker in the Chair. The day was devoted for the transaction of Government Business.

Starred Question No. 152 to 156 were disposed of.
Starred Question No.157 to 176 could not be taken up for want of time.
Unstarred Question No.32 to 38 were disposed of.

Shri Manas Choudhury called the attention of the Minister, Home under Rule 54(1) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business to the news item published in the "Shillong Times" dated 15.6.06 under the caption "Garo Hills firing probes caught in legal hurdles".
Initiating the discussion, the mover recalled that ten months had rolled by when the report of the Enquiry Commission to the police firing at Tura and Williamnagar on the 30.9.05 had not been completed because it was caught in legal hurdles. He did not know who is responsible for this fiasco or who stands to gain from this delay. He was apprehensive that heavy expenditure would be incurred if this is allowed to continue unabated. Therefore, he wanted the Government to direct the Enquiry Commission to complete its report at the earliest possible time.
Replying to the Calling Attention, Shri R. G. Lyngdoh, Minister i/c Home stated that the Government was equally concerned by the delay to complete the probe. The two Enquiry Commissions are supposed to complete their reports for the Williamnagar and Tura incidents by 4th September, 2006 and, sincerely hoped that they will submit their findings on this day. After doing so, the Government will then be in a position to take action, wherever necessary.

LAYING OF A STATEMENT

Dr. Donkupar Roy, Deputy Chief Minister i/c Finance laid a statement relating to Calling Attention notice by Shri Manas Choudhuri, MLA.

LAYING OF A STATEMENT

Shri E. D. Marak, Minister i/c Health & Family Welfare laid a statement relating to Calling Attention notice by Shri P. M. Syiem, MLA.

LAYING OF A STATEMENT

Shri J. D. Rymbai, Chief Minister laid a statement relating to Calling Attention notice by Shri D. Kharshiing , MLA.

LAYING OF A STATEMENT

Shri Preston Tynsong, Minister i/c PHE laid a statement relating to Calling Attention notice by Shri E. K. Sangma, MLA.

LAYING OF A STATEMENT

Shri J. D. Rymbai, Chief Minister laid a statement relating to Calling Attention notice by Shri P. M. Syiem, MLA.

LAYING OF A STATEMENT

Shri Preston Tynsong, Minister i/c Public Health Engineering laid a statement relating to Starred Question No 54 of 29.6.2006.

LAYING OF A STATEMENT

Shri B. K. Sangma, Minister i/c Public Works (Road) laid a statement relating to Starred Question No.130 of 4.7.2006.

PENDING MOTION

Shri A. L. Hek, Shri Manindra Rava, Shri Edmund K. Sangma, Shri Boldness Nongum and Shri T. D. Shira supported the motion brought by Shri Manas Choudhury. All the participants dwelt at length on the teachers being the builder of the nation and the upliftment of the society as a whole. They worked selflessly for the upliftment of the students although they received less salary. At the time of retirement, they are not getting any monetary benefits, and, therefore, requested the Government to give retirement benefits to the retiring teaching and non-teaching staff of the deficit schools and colleges.
In reply to the Calling Attention, the Dy. Chief Minister regretted that the problem had been lingering for a long time. The Government was very much interested to extend help wherever possible but due to fund constraints, it is not in a position to do so. However, it may be noted that teachers appointed by the Management of the school, they are the employers of the Management and not of the Government. The teachers are to deposit towards CPF 8% of their basic pay and the employer has to deposit the same amount to the CPF. It has been the endeavour of the Government to assist and help the schools and colleges in the private sectors and also give grant-in-aid for construction of hostels, school buildings etc. In any case, with regard to the retiring benefits to the teaching and non-teaching staff of the deficit schools and colleges, the Government will not be in a position to say 'yes' or 'no' because this matter will have to be examined by the Department thoroughly after going through the merits and demerits of the case. The Minister assured the mover that the Government is very much sincere to look into the various issues of the teaching community and, he would like that when the teachers retires should retire with a smiling face. As to the query of the mover about the Corpus Fund, the Department will look into it.

BALLOTED MOTIONS

Shri P. M. Syiem moved that "This House do now urge the Government to protect the interest of the tribals of Meghalaya from the alarming illegal migration".
Initiating the discussion the mover or the motion was apprehensive at the alarming rate of the illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and outside the State as well. Apart from the Bangladeshis, the State has to confront other type of people that migrated to the State like the Chakmas etc.
Since time for discussion is upto 1.30 pm, the mover will have to continue his speech in the next Session.

HALF AN HOUR DISCUSSION

Shri P. M. Syiem, MLA raised a half-an-hour discussion under Rule 49(1) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business on matter arising out of reply to Starred Questions No 38 and 42 dated 28.6.06.
Initiating the discussion on this matter, the mover was of the opinion that the Minister during the course of his replies should not have asked for notice since all the required information has already been printed in the CAGs Report. There should be transparency in his replies he stated.
Replying to this, Dr. Donkupar Roy Deputy Chief Minister i/c Power informed the House that it was never the intention of the Government to suppress facts. He referred to Rule 35 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the House that permitted the Minister to ask for notice if materials were not provided at that point of time.
The Hon'ble Speaker sought the sense of the House to extend the time till all business were completed and allowed.
With regard to the report published by the CAG, the Public Accounts Committee of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly will first have to examine it and after that, the Government will be able to come up with their stand.

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE CHAIR.

The Speaker read out the prorogation order of the Governor and the House stood prorogued.