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.

QUESTIONS :

Starred Question No. 75 to 80 were disposed of and Starred Question No.81 to 93 could not be taken up for want of time.
Unstarred Question No.7 to 10 were disposed of.

ZERO HOUR NOTICE

Under Rule 49A of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Meghalaya Legislative, Shri P. T. Sawkmie moved "LAFARGE ADMITS MORGAGING TRIBAL LAND" which appeared in the Shillong Times dated 4.3.2006. Initiating the discussion, the mover contended that the setting up of this Company did not serve any purpose as far as employment is concerned since it was all mechanized. Tribal lands had been mortgaged to International Banks and wanted to know from the Government whether permission given is for lease or absolute sale, whether permission has been obtained from the Government of India to mortagage tribal lands to Foreign Banks, whether clearance has been obtained from the Agriculture Department, Government of India and whether clearance has been obtained from the Central Pollution Board ?
In reply, Shri P. Tynsong, Minister I/c Mining and Geology stated that permission was granted after approval from the various Government Departments of the Government of India taking into consideration the consent of the land owners and no objection certificates from the village headmen and Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council.

CALLING ATTENTION

Under Rule 54(1) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Shri P. T. Sawkmie drew the attention of the Minister to a news item published in "Nongsain Hima" dated 2.6.2006 under the Caption "Nang paw pyrthei ki kam bamsap na ka skhim SSA". Initiating the discussion, the mover contended that the SSA schemes had not been implemented to the fullest extent required for all the districts. He apprehended that if this matter went to the notice of the Government of India, it may stop this scheme for the State.
Replying to this, Shri P. Tynsong, Minister I/c Mass & Elementary Education stated that a Magisterial Enquiry by the Deputy commissioner of West Garo Hills District was set up to probe into the matter. The report submitted on the 18th June, 2006 did not contain any serious financial irregularities. However, he assured the House that the Department will monitor the proper implementation of the scheme.

LAYING OF A STATEMENT

Shri R. G. Lyngdoh, Minister i/c Home (Police) laid a statement relating to Starred Question No 45 of 29.6.2006 on the Table of the House.

LAYING OF A STATEMENT

Shri P. Tynsong, Minister I/c Mining and Geology laid a statement relating to Starred Question No 28 of 27.6.2006 on the Table of the House.

PENDING MOTION

Shri Manas Choudhuri moved "That this House do now discuss the need for granting of retirement benefits to teaching and non-teaching staff of deficit schools and colleges in the State".
Initiating the discussion, the mover drew the attention of the Government to a Court's ruling that the State Government shall take a conscious decision which is not a direction. In this regard, it depends on the political will of the Government to grant retirement benefits. He elaborately explained the Govt. how to get the funds which is about Rs.84,92,700/- annually to be paid to the retiring staff of the deficit schools.

RULING OF THE HON'BLE SPEAKER

The Hon'ble Speaker ruled that the replies of the Minister can be given next time since time is up.

ELECTION

Shri R.G. Lyngdoh, Minister incharge Parliamentary Affairs that in pursuance of Rule 242(1) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Meghalaya Legislative Assembly moved that this House do elect 1(one) member of the House to constitute the Committee on Public Accounts for a period of 30months or till the dissolution of the present Assembly as the case may be.
Shri R.G. Lyngdoh, Minister incharge Parliamentary Affairs that in pursuance of Rule 242B(1) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly moved that this House do elect 2 (two) members of the House to constitute the Committee on Public Undertakings for a period of 30 months or till the dissolution of the present Assembly as the case may be.
Shri R.G. Lyngdoh, Minister incharge Parliamentary Affairs that in pursuance of Rule 244(1) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly moved that this House do elect 1(one) member of the House to constitute the Committee on Estimates for a period of 30 months or till the dissolution of the present Assembly as the case may be.

ADJOURNMENT

The House rose at 12.00 noon and stood adjourned till 10.00 am on Monday, the 3rd July, 2006.