Proceedings of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly held at 9. a.m. on Wednesday, the 3^rd July, 1974 in the Assembly Chamber, Shillong.

Mr. Speaker in the Chair.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

STARRED QUESTION

(To which oral replies were given).

Mr. Speaker :- Starred Question No. 17.

Delay in payment of Stipends.

Shri P. R. Kyndiah asked :

17. Will the Minister charge of Health be pleased to state-

	(a) Whether the Government is aware of the difficulties of medical students now studying outside the State due to the delay in getting their stipend in time ?
	(b) If so, what steps has the Government taken on the matter ?
	(c) Whether the Government proposes to appoint a Nursing Superintendent in the interest of efficient nursing administration ?

Shri S. K. Marak (Minister, Health) asked :

17	(a) -Yes, Sir.
	(b) -Steps taken include earlier publication of advertisement for submission of applications, sitting of the Selection Board, impressing upon the Principals of the Medical College concerned the necessity for prompt forwarding of applications and offer administrative measure to cut out avoidable delays.
	(c)-No Assistant Nursing Superintendent had been appointed recently.

Shri P. R. Kyndiah :- 17(c) whether the Government propose to appoint a Nursing Superintendent ?

Shri S. K. Marak (Minister, Health) :- Not at the moment.

Meghalaya State Transport in Garo Hills.

Shri Nimosh Sangma asked :

18. Will the Minister-in-charge of Transport be pleased to state-

	(a) The total length of road covered by the Meghalaya State Transport in Garo Hills ?
	(b) The number in different routes where the Meghalaya Transport buses are yet to ply in Garo Hills ?
	(c) The number of Garo driver who have been appointed in the Meghalaya Transport Department ?
	(d) The reasons for not appointing a Garo as Transport Superintendent at Tura ?

Shri S. D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Transport) replied :

18.	(a) -Baghmara -Tura -Bajendoba 192 kms.
	(b) -Under consideration.
	(c) -8 (eight) Garo drivers.
	(d) -The post of station Superintendent is a promotion post. There is no Garo who holds such a post.

Shri Nimosh Sangma :- 18 (a), why the transport buses are not running from Baghmara to Tura.

Mr. Speaker :- This particular questions relates only to the total length of the road covered by the Meghalaya State Transport, but what you have asked is by way of suggestion.

Prof. p. G. Marbaniang :- 18(b), may we know the number of offices that existed on this route ? Whether Government has its own buildings within this route ?

Mr. Speaker :- That is a new question.

Prof. P. G. Marbaniang :- What we would like to know is whether there is any booking office within this route.

Mr. Speaker :- That is also a new question.

Registered Garo contractors under the S. E. Tura.

Shri Nimosh Sangma asked :

*19. Will the Minister-in-charge of Public Works Department be pleased to state-

	(a) The names of registered Garo contractors in different Divisions under the Superintending Engineer, Tura Garo Hills (class-wise) ?
	(b) Whether it is a fact that registration of Garos as P. W. D. contractors were delayed in the Office of the Executive Engineer, Barengapara Division in Garo Hills ?
	(c) If the answer to (b) above be in the negative, the number of Garos registered classes upto the end of May, 1974 with their names.

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister, P. W. D.) replied :

19.	(a) -The lists of contractors registered for the year 1973 -74 are placed on the Table of the House.
	(b) -and (c) -No. Registration of contractors in the Barengapara Division for 1974-75 is yet to be finalized as the last date of receipt of classification has been fixed on 30^th June, 1974.

UNSTARRED QUESTIONS.

(To which replies were laid on the Table)

Members of the Bhoi Development Committee.

Prof. Martin Narayan Majaw asked :

148. Will the Minister-in-charge of Community Development be pleased to state-

	(a) The names of all the members of the Bhoi Block Development Committee (category wise) ?
	(b) The procedure for selecting the representatives of the Gram Sevaks Circles ?
	(c) Whether their names were included in the lists of members of the Bhoi Block Development Committee ?
	(d) The number of representatives selected from the Umsning Circle with their names ?
	(e) The number of representatives selected from the Umsning Circle with their names ?

Shri Edwingson Bareh (Minister-in-charge of Community Development) replied :

148.	(a) -The names of the members are placed on the Table of the House.
	(b) -The Block Development Officer recommends the names through the Deputy Commissioner for consideration and approval of Government.
	(c) -As far as practicable.
	(d) -2 (two) persons have been nominated to represent Umsning Circle. They are Shri D. W. Lapang and Shri G. S. War. The mistake is being rectified and a corrigendum is under issue.
	(e) -Due to typing mistake no one represents Umsning Circle which is being rectified and a corrigendum is under issue. The name of the new member is Rev. Swerin Syiem.

Prof. M.N. Majaw :- As a result of tying mistake or rather rectifying the typing mistake, will the Government appoint only one representative or two ?

Shri E. Bareh (Minister, Agriculture) :- It will be only one.

Prof. M. N. Majaw :- Who will be the representative ?

Shri E. Bareh (Minister, Agriculture) :- Shri D. W. Lapang.

Crash Schemes Programme in Jaintia Hills

Prof. M. N. Majaw asked :

149. Will the Chief Minister be pleased to state -

	(a) Whether Government has received any information of the wages of labourers from February, 1972, onwards on the Kyndong Tuber-Mandanpamsna Road under the Crash Schemes Programme in Jaintia Hills ?
	(b) If so, the moment thereof ?

Shri Edwingson Bareh (Minister-in-charge of Community Development) replied :

149.	(a) Yes.
	(b) -Rs. 2,73,257 (Rupees two lakhs, seventy -three thousand, two hundred and fifty seven) only, has been incurred on wages the labourers upto the months of April, 1974.

Acute shortage of C. I. Sheets in the State.

Shri Rowell Lyngdoh asked :

150. Will the Minister-in-charge of Supply etc, be pleased to state-

	(a) Whether the Government is aware of the acute shortage in the supply of C. I. sheets and building materials in the State ?
	(b) The action taken by the Government to procure controlled C. I. sheets and other building materials?
	(c) The total quantity of C. I. sheets indented by the State Government during the current and last financial years, and the total quantity received during the said periods ?
	(d) The list of the recipient of the controlled C. I. Sheets from the Government during the said period ?

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols-Roy (Minister, Supply) replied :

150.	(a) -Yes.
	(b) -By placing indents for C. I. Sheets with the Joint Plant Committee, Calcutta and also by requesting Government of India for special allotment of C. I. Sheets.
	(c) -Total quantity of C. I. Sheets indented during -

1974-75	1973-74
1584 M. T.	23. M. T.

Total quantity of C. I. Sheets received during -

1974-75	1973-74
Tonnes Kg	Tonnes Kg.
48 495	138 608
(4,110 pieces)	(1,378 bundles)

(d)-As per list below-

The list of the recipients of the controlled C. I. Sheets from the Government during the year
1973-74.

SHILLONG

1.	Shri F. Thangkhiew	10	Bundles
2.	St. Paul School, Marbisu.	23	"
3.	Christina	12	"
4.	Shri M. M. Islam	11	"
5.	Shri Spursomanik	4	"
6.	Shri Sor Maiong	4	"
7.	U Wo Umsong	5	"
8.	S. Myrthong	5	"
9.	L. K. Kharkongar	12	"
10.	Mr. A. Thanglura	3	"
11.	Mr. A. K. Das.	14	"
12.	Shri U. C. Bhattacharjee.	8	"
13.	Shri M. Khongwir	6	"
14.	Shri D. B. Tham	9	"
15.	Shri J. J. Soanes	2	"
16.	Shri Rev. Fr. Truncuna	10	"
17.	Syiem of Nongstoin	15	"
18.	Mr. S. J. Duncan	5	"
19.	Mr. B. W. Roy	6	"
20.	Shri Prem Singh Suba.	8	"
21.	Shri K. M. Roy Marbaniang	16	"
22.	Shri J. Kharsyntiew	40	"
23.	Shri O. Nongtdu	8	"
24.	Prof. A. Warjri, M. L. A.	6	"
25.	Major Rai	5	"

26.	Assistant Project Officer	35	"
27.	Silba Susngi	8	"
28.	Mrs. C. Lyngdoh	6	"
29.	Dr. S. Nongrum	6	"
30.	Smti Mearly Myrthong	10	"
31.	Smti P. Kharmalki	6	"
32.	Shri H. N. Dutta	15	"
33.	R. Dkhar	4	"
34.	Shri J. C. Bhattacharjee	5	"
35.	Shri R. J. Bhattacharjee	3	"
36.	Shri N. Nongbri	8	"
37.	Mrs. I. Thangkhiew	10	"
38.	D. Marbaniang	6	"
39.	Shri John Deng C. E. M., Jowai	10	"
40.	Shri O. Del Lyngkhoi	20	"
41.	The S. D. O. (Civil), Nongstoin	25	"
42.	E. E. (PWD), Buildings Division, Shillong	26	"
43.	The S. D. O. (P. W. D.), Mawsynram	10	"
44.	The Farmcos S. F. D. A/M. F. A. L.	45	"
45.	The Danish Project, Shillong-5	25	"
46.	The Mylliem Block	30	"
47.	The Divisional Soil Conservation Officer, K. & J. Hills, Shillong.	20	"
48.	Divisional Forest Officer.	10	"
49.	The Chief Executive Officer, Shillong, Municipality, Shillong.	10	"
50.	Shri D. Das, Chief Secretary of Assam	4	"
51	Secretary, Khasi Hills District Communist Party	3	"
52.	Rev. Fr. Denis S. D. B. Mawlai	8	"
53.	Senior Medical Officer, Khasi Hills Presbyterian Hospital	10	"
54.	Secretary, Church of God, Raibah Maharam	4	"
55.	Secretary, Balang Phlangkynshi	4	"
56.	Prof. H. Syiemlieh, Presbyterian Church, Malki	5	"
57.	Secretary, Rev. Nichols Roy School, Mawsynram	5	"
58.	Secretary, Balang Nonglang, Mawkyrwat	5	"
59	Secretary, Church of God, Nongpyndem, Nongstoin	5	"
60.	Headmaster, Umthlong Nongthliew, Government M. E. School, Umthlong.	2	"
61.	Secretary, Dirang Presbyterian Church, Maharam	3	"
62.	Rev. H. J. Shrieves S. D. B.	5	"
63.	Shri Pilat Khonglam, Headmaster, M. E. School, Mawshun.	9	"
64.	Secretary, Church of God, Thyllam, Dwara Nongtyrnem	5	"
65.	Chairman, Church Building, Barapani	5	"
66.	Jendrowell Baney, Church of God, Umyiap	4	"
67.	Secretary, Porsohsar L. P. School	5	"
68.	Secretary, Church Building, Kynshi	4	"
	Total	665	Bundles

G A R O- H I L L S

1.	Shri Sajang Sangma, Tura	15	Bundles
2.	Shri M. L. Beswala, Advocate, Tura	6	"
3.	Shri S. D. Shira, Tura	20	"
4.	Smti Santona G. Momin, Baghmara	15	"
5.	Smti Gopal Pd. Ranior, Tura	3	"
6.	Shri S. C. Das, Tura.	14	"
7.	Sumitra Atta Chaki Mills, Shyamnagar	15	"
8.	Shri P. C. Bhowmic, Tura.	5	"
9.	D. F. O., Garo Hills Tura	44	"
10.	President, Shyamnagar Government Aided H.E. School, Shyamnagar	10	"
11.	Shri Sidnath Prasad, Tura	5	"
12.	M/S K. K. Nath, Tura	10	"
13.	Shri Jingno Sangma, Siju	16	"
14.	Principal, Government Normal Training School, Tura	30	"
15.	Superintendent of Police, Garo Hills, Tura.	10	"
16.	District A. H. and Veterinary Officer, Tura	25	"
17.	Civil Surgeon, Garo Hills, Tura	3	"
18.	Divisional Soil Conservation Officer, Garo Hills, Tura	30	"
19.	Block Development Officer, Rongjeng	20	"
20.	Secretary, Executive Committee Garo Hills District Council, Tura	226	"
	Total	522	Bundles
		522	Bundles

J O W A I

Block Development Officer, Mynso-Raliang Development 100 Bundles Block Shangpung.

Shillong	695	Bundles
Tura	522	"
Jowai	100	"
GRANT TOTAL	1,317	"

Shri B.B. Shallam :- Whether Government is aware of the fact that there is shortage of C. I. Sheets in Jaintia Hills ?

Mr. Speaker :- The reply is yes.

Shri B. B. Shallam :- May we know on what basis the allotment of C. I. Sheets is made by the Government District wise ?

Mr. Speaker :- This should have come in the form of a question. This is concerned with the detailed working of the Department. Actually it is not necessary for the Minister to present the whole list as the printed list should have been placed on the Table of the House.

Supply Gate at Byrnihat

Prof. Martin Narayan Majaw asked :

151. Will the Minister-in-charge of Supply be pleased to state-

	(a) Whether the Government is aware of the fact that the main post of the supply gate of the Government of Assam at Byrnihat is planted within the State of Meghalaya?
	(b) If so, what action Government proposes to take in the matter ?
	(c) Whether the Government had asked the Government of Assam to remove this gate ?

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Supply) replied :

151.	(a) -Yes.
	(b) & (c) -The matter has been taken up with the Government of Assam and the reply is awaited .

Prof. M. N. Majaw :- 151(b) -When was the matter last taken up with the Government of Assam ?

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Supply ) :- I require notice.

Transport Scheme for educated unemployed youth

Shri D. Dethwelson Lapang asked :

152. Will the Minister-in-charge, of Transport be pleased to state -

	(a) The rate of the Meghalaya Transport Scheme for the educated un-employed youth ?
	(b) The number of vehicles allotted to the educated un-employed youth from the Scheme ?

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister of Transport) replied :

152.	(a) -The Bank are to sanction and disburse the loan to the selected applicants. This they could not do so far due to sudden and frequent increase in the cost of vehicles. For the additional cost involved candidates are to complete formalities with the Banks and additional fund found.

	(b) -Nil.

Bifurcation on the control of the G. S. Road

Prof. Alexander Warjri asked :

153. Will the Minister-in-charge of Transport be pleased to state-

	(a) Whether Government proposes to bifurcate the control of G. S. Road ?
	(b) If so, (i) the policy and system for the bifurcation ?
	(ii) The date fixed for completing the bifurcation ?
	(iii) Mode of agreement with Assam Government for bringing goods to Shillong ?

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister of Transport) replied :

153.	(a) -Yes.
	(b) -(i) On mutual agreement between the two States with approval of Central Government.
	(ii) -No date fixed. This is under negotiation.
	(iii) -There is no such agreement with Assam Government. Goods are brought to Shillong by vehicles of the AMSRTC which maintain the monopoly on G. S. Road. Any other vehicles which want to ply on this nationalized route have to obtain No Objection Certificates from the Corporation.

Prof. Alexander Warjri :-153. (b) (ii) Will it be this year ?

Mr. Speaker :- No date has been fixed. You mean the negotiation will be this year ? The reply is specifically about the negotiation.

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy. (Minister, Transport) :- They have already started.

Prof. P.G. Marbaniang :- For any vehicles that are plying on this nationalized road, is a no objection certificate to be obtained either from the Government of Assam or Government of Meghalaya ?

Mr. Speaker :- I think the answer is very specific, only with the G. S. Road.

Prof. P. G. Marbaniang :- Has the vehicles to go down to Gauhati to get a special permit to ply within Meghalaya ?

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Transport) :- Yes, Mr. Speaker, Sir, this is the G. S. Road, the whole road is a nationalized road. Therefore, any other vehicles plying on it, have to get a no objection certificate.

Prof. P. G. Marbaniang :- That is not the reply to my question.

Mr. Speaker :- I understand your question and the Minister has already replied. Those who want to ply on this road will have to get permit from the Gauhati Office which is the main office.

Prof. Alexander Warjri :- What about the vehicles plying from Shillong to Umsning ?

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Transport) :- It is the same thing.

Shri Maham Singh :- Who has been authorised to issue the no objection certificate ?

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Transport) :- The representative of the Corporation, Sir.

Shri Dlosing Lyngdoh :- Whether the Government is aware that there are city buses and jeeps plying along the G. S. Road ?

Mr. Speaker :- Is the Government aware of this fact ?

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Transport) :- Yes, Sir.

Shri Maham Singh :- Is he an officer from the Government of Assam or Government of Meghalaya ?

Mr. Speaker :- He is of the Corporation which is an Autonomous Body.

Shri Maham Singh :- Whether he is appointed by the Government of Assam or by the Government of Meghalaya ?

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Transport) :- He is appointed by the Corporation which is composed of the representatives of both the States.

Shri Dlosing Lyngdoh :- Are all the city buses, bazaar buses, jeeps at present running in the G. S. Road to get special permit from the Corporation ?

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Transport) :- I do not know, Sir, I am not aware of that.

Shri Maham Singh :- May we know whether the representatives is a Government officer or a private employees of the Corporation ?

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Transport) :- He is an employee of the Corporation which is known as the Assam-Meghalaya State Road Transport Corporation.

Shri Maham Singh :- Whether he is a Government officer or not ?

Mr. Speaker :- The reply is that he is an officer of the Corporation.

Permits for lifting the controlled C. I. Sheets

Shri Rowell Lyngdoh asked :

154. Will the Minister-in-charge of Supply and Transport be pleased to state-

	(a) Whether it is a fact that permits for lifting the controlled C.I. Sheets from the factories to Meghalaya were granted to some businessman by road instead of by rail ?
	(b) If so, 6 the difference in the transport charges ?
	(c) If the answer to (a), above be in the negative, the mode of transport of C. I. Sheets and other buildings materials from other States to this State during the last two years ?

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Supply ) replied :

154.	(a) -No permits were issued. The C. I. Sheets were lifted by the Government Handling Agent. Due to disruption in railways at the time the C. I. Sheets had to be brought by road.
	(b) -Rupees 72.01 P. per tonnes.
	(c) -Both rail and road transport are utilized depending on convenience.

Confirmed Government M. E. School Teachers, Garo Hills

Shri Plansing K. Marak asked :

155. Will the Minister-in-charge of Education be pleased to state-

	(a) The number of confirmed Government M. E. School teacher in Garo Hills ?
	(b) The criteria of determining their seniority in service ?

Shri Darwin D. Pugh (Minister of State, Education) replied :

155.	(a) -Two.
	(b) -The seniority of the officers is determined in accordance with the order of preference given by the Public Service Commission or by any other duly constituted Body (Like Departmental Selection Board etc.)

Shri Plansing Marak :- May I know the authorities which confirmed the school teachers ?

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, Education) :- The Government of Assam.

Shri Plansing Marak :- Whether it is the D. I. of Schools or the Inspector of Schools ?

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, Education) :- The question is irrelevant, Mr. Speaker, Sir. The question concerns the teachers.

Borders Students' Subsidies in Khasi Hills.

Shri Rowell Lyngdoh asked :

156. Will the Minister-in-charge of Education be pleased to state-

	(a) The amount earmarked for Border student's subsidies in Khasi Hills during the year 1973-74 ?
	(b) The total amount spent for the purpose ?
	(c) The number of applicants for subsidy ?
	(d) Whether all those who applied for were granted ?
	(e) If so, the amount granted to each ?
	(f) If not, the reason thereof ?

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, Education) replied :

156.	(a) -Rs.2,50,000.
	(b) -Rs.1,68,900.
	(c) -Rs.2,614.
	(d) -No, Sir.
	(e)

		Hosteller Annually	Non-hosteller Annually
		Rs.	Rs.
(i)	Post Matric	300	150
(ii)	High School	150	75
(iii)	M. E. School	100	50

(f) Out of the number shown against question (c) above, 586 applications were rejected for reason that permanent addresses given in their applications were not included under Approved Border Villages.

Loans for flood damage under Khliehriat Development Block

Shri Lewis Bareh asked :

157. Will the Minister-in-charge of Community Development be pleased to state-

	(a) The names of persons who were granted loans for flood damage under the Khliehriat Development Block during 1972 ?
	(b) Whether proper enquiry was made before advancing such flood loans ?
	(c) Whether Government is aware of the fact that many recipient of such loans in the village of Thengskai Elaka Narpuh, etc, under the Khliehriat Development block are actually Jhum cultivators ?
	(d) If so, the reason for granting loans to such cultivators ?
	(e) The number of recipients of loans from the said villages and the amount granted to each of them ?

Shri Brington Buhai Lyngdoh (Minister, Revenue) replied :

157.	(a) -A statement showing the names of persons who were granted loans for flood damage under the Khliehriat Development Block during 1972 is placed on the Table of the House.
	(b) -Yes.
	(c) -No.
	(d) -The cultivated areas of the Jhummiers were affected by flood of heavy rainfall and the crops were washed away.
	(e) -183 at Rs.100 each..

Shri Humphrey Hadem :- Sir, is there any Member of the House by the name of Lewis Bareh ?

Mr. Speaker :- It has already been corrected (laughter).

Civil Hospital at Jowai.

Shri H. Enowell Pohshna asked :

158. Will the Minister-in-charge of Medical be pleased to state-

	(a) The reason for the delay in extending the present Civil Hospital at Jowai ?
	(b) The reason for not appointing a Civil Surgeon for the Hospital ?

Shri Sandford K. Marak (Minister-in-charge of Health) replied :

158.	(a) -The work could not be started earlier due to shortage of building materials, such as Cement, M. S. Rods, etc.
	(b) -Posting was done but the person concerned did not join and instead went on leave. Meanwhile, Civil Surgeon, Khasi Hills is attending to the work of Jaintia Hills by visiting Jowai every week of the month. Civil Surgeon for Jaintia Hills will be posted as early as possible.

Shri Blooming B. Shallam :- 158 (a), is it not a fact that the extension of the present Civil Hospital in Jowai is in good progress ?

Shri Sandford K. Marak (Minister-in-charge of Health) :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, the progress is good, is I should say.

Shri Blooming B. Shallam :- 158 (b), how many days in a week does the Civil Surgeon, Khasi Hills Civil Hospital attend the Jowai Civil Hospital ?

Shri Sandford K. Marak (Minister-in-charge of Health) :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, we instructed him to attend the Civil Surgeon's office there at Jowai two days in a week.

Shri Blooming B. Shallam :- May we know what are those days ?

Mr. Speaker :- Actually I have allowed you the second supplementary question though it is out of order and this one is very much out of order.

Shri F. K. Mawlot :-158 (b), when was this posting made ?

Shri Sandford K. Marak (Minister-in-charge of Health) :- The posting was made a last year but the officer refused to join as she was on leave.

Shri Humphrey Hadem :- For how long was that leave ?

Shri Sandford K. Marak (Minister, Health) :- I require notice for that question.

Shri Humphrey Hadem :- Was the incumbent directed to join the same post after expiry of the leave ?

Shri Sandford K. Marak (Minister, Health) :- She was directed to join the same post but she went on leave again.

Rice Stockist and Wholesalers in the State.

Shri Enowell Pohshna asked :

159. Will the Minister-in-charge of Supply be pleased to state-

The names and addresses of -

	(i) The Rice Stockists
	And
	(ii) The Rice Wholesalers in each District of Meghalaya ?

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Supply) replied :

159.	(i)	No Rice Stockists is appointed by Government.
(ii)	(1)-	M/s. E. M. Sons-Mawkhar Shillong.
	(2)-	M/s. Omprakash Shivkumar-G. S. Road, Shillong.
	(3)-	M/s. Mawroh Brothers- G. S. Road, Shillong.
	(4)-	Shri Modrik Nongkynrih -Mawlai Nonglum, Shillong.
	(5)-	Shri E. Francis Marbaniang-Jaiaw, Shillong.
	(6)-	Sain Manik Jyrwa-Jaiaw, Langsning, Shillong.
	(7)-	Smti. Brell Lyngdoh-Riatsamthiah, Shillong.
	(8)-	Smti Ngerson Lyngdoh-Lynshing.
	(9)-	Smti Holda Lyngdoh-Mawlai Nongkwar, Shillong.
	(10)-	M/s . Shillong Consumer Cooperative Wholesalers Store-Police Bazaar, Shillong.
	(11)-	Shri D. Lapang-Umsning.
	(12)-	Smti Alma Donbar-Mawlai, Shillong
	(13)-	Shri Esten Nongbri Pynursla
	(14)-	Smti Drilsibon Ranee-Cherranpunji
	(15)-	Shri Lenderson Sawkmie-Mawsynram
	(16)-	Shri Bresitoland Snaitang- Mawkyrwat.
	(17)-	Shri Stalin Rajee-Riangdo, Nongstoin.
	(18)-	Smti T. Lyngdoh -Nongstoin.
	(19)-	Smti Regina Syiemlieh - Gomaghat (Nolikatta Balat)
	(20)-	M/s K.K. Nath-Tura.
	(21)-	M/s K. K. Nath-Phulbari.
	(22)-	M/s. K. K. Nath-Baghmara.
	(23)-	Shri K. L. Jajodia-Tura.
	(24)-	M/s G. G. Traders-Tura.
	(25)-	M/s. R. R. S. Prasad -Tura.
	(26)-	Shri Haribari Prasad -Tura .
	(27)-	M/s. Mahabir Store-Tura
	(28)-	Shri Chattu Prasad -Sibbari.
	(29)-	Shri Jugal Prasad -Sibbari.
	(30)-	Shri. G. Agarwala-Garobadha.
	(31)-	Shri D. P. Agarwala -Tura.
	(32)-	Shri S. N. Agarwala-Tura.
	(33)-	Shri Mohon Prasad -Tura.
	(34)-	Shri Sidh Nath Prasad-Tura.
	(35)-	Shri A. M. Ganeey-Tura.
	(36)-	Shri R. Barman-Tura
	(37)-	Shri S. Banshali-Tura.
	(38)-	Shri Sidhnath Prasad-Simsanggiri.
	(39)-	Shri Kalu Marak-Baghmara.
	(40)-	Shri Sailendra Shira-Tura.
	(41)-	Shri Sailendra Shira-Simsanggiri.
	(42)-	Shri S. Zaman-Bhaitbari.
	(43)-	Shri K. Barman-Tikrikilla
	(44)-	Shri W. Sangma -Mendipathar.
	(45)-	Shri Gopal Prasad Ronior-Tura.
	(46)-	Shri Gopal Prasad Ronior -Rongram.
	(47)-	Smti. R. N. Sangma-Tura.
	(48)-	Shri S. C. Das-Tura.
	(49)-	Shri B. L. Khandelwal-Tura.
	(50)-	Shri M. Sangma-Baghmara.
	(51)-	Shri A. Mohenta-Tura.
	(52)-	Shri John L. Sangma-Rongjeng
	(53)-	Shri Judishthera Marak, Tura.
	(54)-	Shri Dawaram Koch-Selsella.
	(55)-	Shri Nurmah Ahmed-Chibinang
	(56)-	M/s Dalu Co-operative Society-Dalu
	(57)-	Sreeram Bahadur -Tura
	(58)-	Shri Herlon Sangma -Tura
	(59)-	M/s Beharilal Sharma -Jowai.
	(60)-	Shri Jokendro Kyndiah- Jowai.
	(61)-	M/s Mahabir Trading Agency-Jowai.
	(62)-	Smti Hilsida Phawa-Jowai.

Supply gates on the G. S. Road.

Shri Dlosing Lyngdoh asked :

160. Will the Minister-in-charge of Supply be pleased to state-

.	(a) Whether it is a fact that the Government have constructed two Supply gates on the G. S. Road to check smuggling of food stuffs from Meghalaya to other States ?
	(b) If so, :-
	(i)	Number of smuggle cases so far detected .
	(ii)	Number and name of persons arrested .
	(iii)	Quantity of food grains seized by the Government.
	(iv)	Amount received as fines.
	(c) The number of persons employed and posted in the two gates ?
	(d) Whether it is a fact that Government have appointed Checkers or Gate keepers at these supply gates without proper interview, police, verifications or examinations, except on the recommendations of the villages headman ?
	(e) If so, whether the Government proposes to make the appointment of Government employees only on the village headman's recommendation ?
	(f) Whether it is a fact that the Gate keepers or Checkers at Mawlai Gate are playing cards and taking liquors openly while on duty and harassing the public and motorists ?
	(g) If so, whether Government have passed any order instructing the Gate keepers or Checkers at Mawlai Gate not to harass the local jeeps, local Bazaar Buses City Buses plying on the G. S. Road ?
	(h) The total emolument of each Checker or Gate keeper of Mawlai Supply Gate ?
	(i) How long Government proposes to continue the posting of Mawlai Supply Gate when the actual Supply Gate has been constructed at Byrnihat ?
	(j) Whether Government is aware that food stuffs can be smuggled from Meghalaya to other States through other roads such as Mairang-Ranigodam road, Nongstoin-Sonapahar-Hahim road, etc ?

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Supply) replied :

160.	(a)-Yes.
	(b)	(i) Twelve.
		(ii) Two, Shri Sayed Md. Hasim and Shri Bir Bahadur Pradhan.
		(iii) (1) Rice 2.37 quintals.
			(2) Atta 2.04 quintals.(approx.)
			(3) Moida 1.80 quintals.
			(4) Sugar 0.50 quintals.
		(iv) Nil. Matters are under police investigation.
	(c) -Twelve.
	(d) -No.
	(e) -No.
	(f) -No report has been received from any quarter for such action of the staff.
	(g) -Directions were given to the staffs concerned not to harass local buses, jeeps, private vehicles, etc.
	(h) -Rs.178.50 P per month.
	(i) -The matter will be examined in due course. Byrnihat gate alone will not be sufficient.
	(j) -The matter is being investigated and another check gate has been established at Athiabari on Nongstoin - Sonapahar - Hahim Road.

Shri Dlosing Lyngdoh :-160 (d), how those Checkers or Gate Keepers were appointed, whether by the M.P.S.C. or by the Selection Board ?

Shri S. D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Supply) :- I require notice for that question.

Town Committee in Simsanggiri

Shri Samerendra Sangma asked :

161. Will the Minister-in-charge of Town and Country Planning be pleased to state-

	(a) Whether a Town Committee in Simsanggiri has already been constituted ?
	(b) If so, names of the members of the Simsanggiri Town Committee ?

Shri Sandford K. Marak (Minister-in-charge of Municipal Administration) replied :

161.	(a) -No Sir.
	(b) -Does not arise.

Shri F. K. Mawlot :- 161. (a), may we know the reasons why the Committee could not be constituted ?

Shri Sandford K. Marak (Minister, Municipal Administration) :- The people are not yet ready and the offices have not been formally located there. It will take time.

Radiographer for the X-Ray in the Ganesh Das Hospital

Prof. Alexander Warjri asked :

162. Will the Minister-in-charge of Health be pleased to state-

	(a) Whether it is a fact that there is no Radiographer for the X-Ray plant in the Ganesh Das Hospital since its installation in 1971 ?
	(b) Whether Government has deputed any one of training as Radiographer since 1971 ?

Shri Sandford K. Marak (Minister-in-charge of Health) replied :

162.	(a)-Yes, Sir. The post will be created shortly.
	(b) No.

Prof. Alexander Warjri :- 162 (b), by whom these posts will be filled up ?

Mr. Speaker :- By Government .

Prof. A. Warjri :-Since the posy will be created, the Government can send anybody for training.

Mr. Speaker :- The Radiographer is a technician and the radiologists is a specialists. So, may I know from the Minister -in-charge whether the post will be created for a radiographer or a radiologists ?

Shri Sandford K. Marak (Minister-in-charge of Health) :- The post will be created for a radiologists.

Mr. Speaker :- Actually the question is not to be replied.

Shri G. Mylliemngap :- 162 (a), has the X-Ray equipment been installed ?

Shri Sandford K. Marak (Minister-in-charge of Health) :- I require notice for that question.

Shri F. K. Mawlot :- 162 (a), since when was this post lying vacant ?

Mr. Speaker :- The post has not been created .

Prof. M. N. Majaw :- 162 (a), when was the X-Ray Plant purchased ?

Shri Sandford K. Marak (Minister-in-charge of Health) :- I require notice, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

Mr. Speaker :- So far as this question is concerned, will Prof. Warjri be satisfied to substitute the word "radiographer" by the word "radiologists". Because if the word "radiographer" is there, the answer will be different .

Prof. A. Warjri :- I shall repeat this question in the next session after I have consulted the dictionary on these two words.

Shri F. K. Mawlot :- May we know whether it is not a fact.............

Mr. Speaker :- Even the word radiographer and radiologists has not been properly defined ............

Shri F. K. Mawlot :- But since the reply from the Minister that the post will be created ......

Mr. Speaker :- At least the hon. Member who asked the question is not satisfied, why should other members make out some other issues out of it.

Applications for the post of the Driver in the office of the
Deputy Inspector of Schools, Khasi Hills.

Shri D. D. Lapang asked :

163. Will the Minister-in-charge of Education be pleased to state-

	(a) Whether it is a fact that in the first quarter of 1974 applications were invited for the post of a Driver in the office of the Deputy Inspector of Schools, Khasi Hills ?
	(b) If so, who called for the applications ?
	(c) The number of the applications received ?
	(d) Whether it is a fact that the post has already been filled up without calling for interview ?
	(e) If so, why ?

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State -in-charge, of Education) replied :

163.	(a) -Yes.
	(b) -Director of Public Instruction.
	(c) -Nine.
	(d) -Yes. The post has been filled up by appointing a temporary in driver (Shri M. Kharkongor), who was officiating against a leave vacancy in the Directorate.
	(e) -An interview was not considered necessary as selection could be made on the basis of particulars given in the applications.

Shri D. D. Lapang :-163 (c), does not Government consider as irregular by not calling for the interview ?

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, Education) :- It was not considered irregular Mr. Speaker, Sir.

Taking over of High Schools.

Shri H. E. Pohshna asked :

164. Will the Minister-in-charge of Education be pleased to state-

	(a) The number of High Schools Government proposes to take over this year ?
	(b) The names of such schools (District wise) ?

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, Education) replied :

164.	(a)-Two.
	(b)- 1. Sib Sing Memorial High School in Nongstoin Sub-division in the Khasi Hills District.
		2. Rongrenggiri High School in Simsanggiri Sub-division in Garo Hills.

Training of Lower Primary School Teachers at Basic Training School, Malki, Shillong.

Prof. M. N. Majaw asked :

165. Will the Chief Minister be pleased to state -

	(a) The number of Lower Primary School teachers receiving training at the Basic Training School at Malki, Shillong ?
	(b) The number of teachers working in this school ?
	(c) Whether any of the students receive stipends from the Government of Meghalaya ?
	(d) If so, how many and how much does each students receive ?
	(e) Whether it is a fact that the Government of Assam used to grant stipends to four students every year for training in this school ?
	(f) Whether it is a fact that this practice was discontinued by the Government of Meghalaya ?
	(g) If so, whether Government propose to re-examine the continuance of the practice ?

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, Education) replied :

165.	(a) -Around 50 annually.
	(b) -5(five ) including the Principal -in-charge.
	(c) -Deputed teachers from District Councils receive their pay plus deputation allowances.
	(d) -None.
	(e) -Yes, in respect of the trainees who came from private schools or were outsiders and that their applications were recommended by the Principal.
	(f) -No, Sir.
	(g) -Does not arise.

Shri S. P. Swer :- 165 (a), how many trainees are there this year ?

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, Education) :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, there are 50 plus one from the District Council and 4 from private schools.

Shri S. P. Swer :- Why did the Minister say 50 plus one from District Council and 4 from private schools.

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, Education) :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, the District Council was asked to send 50 trainees but apparently they had, by mistake intimated 51. So 50 joined and later on one more came and he was allowed to remain in the training centre if the Principal allowed him to do so.

Prof. M. N. Majaw :- In view of the answer to (e) & (f), is this practice of giving stipends being continued by the Government of Meghalaya ?

Mr. Speaker :-In (f), the answer is 'No'. The question was whether it is a fact that this practice was discontinued by the Government of Meghalaya and the answer is "No". In other words, it means it is being continued.

Prof. M. N. Majaw :- Which are the four schools which have not sent candidates there ?

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, Education) :- I require notice for the question.

Shri H. Hadem :- 165 (c), what is the amount of deputation allowance per month ?

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, Education) :- The deputation allowance is Rs.18 per mensem ?

Prof. M. N. Majaw :- What is the amount of stipend given in this case ?

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, Education) :- The amount give is Rs.40.

Headmasters of Government Middle English Schools

Shri Brojendro Sangma asked :

166. Will the Minister-in-charge of Education be pleased to state-

	(a) The number of Headmasters of Government M. E. School throughout the State ?
	(b) Whether all these Headmasters belong to Grade II Service Cadre ?
	(c) If not, the reason thereof ?
	(d) Whether there is any bar for a qualified teacher to become a Headmaster of an M. E. School in Grade II Service Cadre ?

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State in-charge of Education) replied :

166.	(a) -Twenty-nine Headmasters in 29 Government M. E. Schools.
	(b) -No, Sir. Only 4 of these 29 Headmasters are in Class II of Assam School Service Cadre in the Scale of Rs.200-500 per mensem.
	(c)-The four Headmaster were in the scale of Rs.125-275 which was revised to Rs.200-500 as per the Assam Pay Committee Report, 1964. In giving this scale to those 4 Headmasters, the Assam Government issued an order that those 4 Headmasters should be absorbed in High Schools gradually against vacancies as and when they occur.

All the other Headmasters of M.E / M.V. Schools, appointed after 1^st April 1964, the date on which the Assam Pay Committee Report, 1964 was given effect to were appointed on their grade pay (in the scale of Rs.140-350) plus a special pay of Rs.20 per mensem.

In case of graduates appointed as Headmasters in M. E. Schools they get the scale of Rs.175-400 per mensem.

(d)- With effect from 1^st April 1964 all posts of Headmasters of M. E. /M. V. Schools are outside the Class II A.S.S. Cadre. Vacancies cannot, therefore, be filled up by promotion but by direct recruitment. There is, however, no bar for qualified teachers to apply.

Shri Plansing Marak :- What is the cadre of the Headmasters ? In which cadre are they borne ?

Mr. Speaker :- What are the other grades besides Grade II Service ?

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State in-charge of Education) :- Assam Lower Schools Service.

Mr. Speaker :- There is no higher grade than Grade II.

Shri Plansing Marak :- Whether there are 3 grades, A or B or C and then Class II. In which cadre these people fall ?

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, Education) :- I do not understand the question Mr. Speaker, Sir. The hon. Member said that whether these teachers are in Class II ? I may say that they fall under the Assam Lower Schools Service.

Mr. Speaker :- The question is this. That out of the 29 Headmasters, 4 are in Class II. What about the rest ? To which Cadre do they belong ?

Shri D.D. Pugh (Minister of State in-charge of Education) :- I require notice, because I do not understand the question, Sir.

Foreign Liquors Shops in the State.

Shri H. E. Pohshna asked :

167. Will the Minister-in-charge of Excise be pleased to state-

	(a) The number of existing foreign liquor shops in Meghalaya ?
	(b) The names and addresses of the licenses ?

Shri B. B. Lyngdoh (Minister-in-charge of Excise, etc.) replied :

167.	(a)- 14 (fourteen).
	(b)- A statement showing the names and addresses of the licenses is placed on the Table of the House.

Licenses for country distilleries

Shri H. E. Pohshna asked :

168. Will the Minister-in-charge of Excise be pleased to state the number of licenses for country distilleries newly granted during the years 1971-72, 1972-73 and 1973-74 with the names and addresses of the licenses?

Shri B. B. Lyngdoh (Minister-in-charge of Excise, etc.) replied :

168.	1971 - 72 - Nil.
	1972 - 73 - 6 (six).
	1973 - 74 - 10 (ten)

A statement showing the names and addresses of the licenses (district wise) is placed on the Table of the House.

Collection of revenue during 1973-74.

Prof. M. N. Majaw asked :

169. Will the Minister in-charge of Finance be pleased to state the total amount of revenue collected, under various heads, from non-tribal or partially non-tribal owned commercial firms, partnerships and proprietorships during 1973-74 ?

Shri B. B. Lyngdoh (Minister, Finance ) replied :

169. The information is being collected and will be communicated to the hon. Member in due course.

Outstanding Loans

Shri Rowell Lyngdoh asked :

170. Will the Minister-in -charge of Agriculture be pleased to state-

	(a) The total amount of loans outstanding for the period from 2^nd April, 1970 to 31^st March, 1974 in respect of :-
		(i) Agricultural loans to individuals in Khasi Hills.
		(ii) Loans to Co-operative Societies in Khasi Hills.
	(b) The amount recovered during the said period ?
	(c) The action proposed to be taken for recovery of outstanding loans ?

Shri E. Bareh (Minister-in-charge of Co-operation) replied :

170.	(a) -The total amount of loans outstanding for the period from 2^nd April, 1970 to 31^st Marak, 1974 in respect of :-
		(i) Was Rs.60,000 (Rupees sixty thousand).
		(ii) Was Rs.72,04,045.99P. (Rupees seventy two lakhs four thousand forty five and paise ninety nine.)
	(b) -The amount recovered during the said period in respect of -
		(i) Rs.1,87,500.
		(ii) Rs.25,83,687.57 P.
	(c) -For Agricultural Loans to individual, in Khasi Hills, notices have been issued to the defaulters and the cases will be referred to the Bakijal Officer if no recovery is made by July, 1974.

With regard to loans of Co-operative Societies in Khasi Hills, it is proposed to intensify the drive for recovery of the outstanding loans jointly by the field staff of the Meghalaya Co-operatives Apex Bank and the Co-operative Department during the harvesting season through persuasive measures. If persuasive measures fail, coercive measures will have to be taken to effect recovery by filing arbitration cases against the defaulters as provided under the Meghalaya Co-operative Societies Act and rules framed there under.

Prof. Warjri :- 170 (a) are there any loans outstanding in the Scheme of House Building Loan ?

Shri E. Bareh (Minister, Co-operation) :- That is a new question, Mr. Speaker, Sir. He wants to know for house building which I am not concerned, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

Mr. Speaker :- The answer is there.

Shri E. Bareh (Minister, Co-operation) :- It does not concern house building.

Shri Winstone Syiemiong :-170 (a) (i) and (ii), may we know the interest out of this amount ?

Shri E. Bareh (Minister, Co-operation) :- The rate of interest charged is 6 ¹/₄ percent.

Lower Primary Schools within the Shillong Municipal Area

Shri Dlosing Lyngdoh asked :

171. Will the Minister-in-charge of Education be pleased to state-

	(a) Whether it is a fact that the L. P. Schools within the Shillong Municipal area are under the direct control of the Deputy Inspector of Schools, Shillong ?
	(b) If so, the number of Schools of the following categories within the Shillong Municipal area-
		(i) Khasi Medium L. P. Schools.
		(ii) English Medium L. P. Schools.
		(iii) Garo Medium L. P. Schools.
		(iv) Bengalee Medium L. P. Schools.
		(v) Hindi Medium L. P. Schools.
		(vi) Assamese Medium L. P. Schools.
		(vii) Other Medium L. P. Schools.
		(viii) Government L. P. Schools.
		(ix) Government Aided Schools.
	(c) The number of Inspecting Officers under the Deputy Inspector of Schools Shillong, who can read and write all the media adopted by the various L. P. Schools in the Shillong Municipality Area ?
	(d) Whether it is a fact that Private Schools have been securing better results than the Government Schools ?
	(e) If so, what measures Governments propose to take for improvement of its Schools ?

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State in-charge of Education) replied :

171. (a)-Yes, Sir.

(b)-

(i)	21 Nos.
(ii)	18 Nos.
(iii)	1 No.
(iv)	10 Nos.
(v)	7 Nos.
(vi)	8 Nos.
(vii)	10 Nos. (7 Nepali and 3 Urdu).
(viii)	1 No. (Khasi Medium).
(ix)	All the schools shown in (i), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi), (vii) above and 3 schools shown in (ii) above are Aided Schools. Total number of Aided Schools comes to 60.

	(c) -None.
	(d) -No, Sir.
	(e) -Does not arise.

Shri D. D. Lapang :- (c) Sir. How the inspection work is done when the inspecting staff do not know the language ?

Mr. Speaker :- When the number of inspecting officers is nil, it means that there is no inspecting work.

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, Education) :- The answer is not nil. None of these inspectors know all the languages.

Mr. Speaker :-How is the inspection done, when they do not know the languages ?

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, Education) :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, as I said earlier in this Session, the inspectors inspect only the physical aspects of the institution, for instance the administrative and management aspect. They check the enrolment staff and the equipments etc. But as I said earlier, on the academic side, of course, except for those schools where either we have no English or Khasi medium, the inspection cannot be conducted .

Shri Dlosing Lyngdoh :- (c). How can they know the number of students when they do not know to read write in that language ?

Mr. Speaker :- They know from the Headmasters and the teachers.

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, Education) :- Inspectors asked the Head teacher on the enrolment in each Class and made note of it.

Shri Dlosing Lyngdoh :- Then is requires an interpreters, Sir.,

Mr. Speaker :- You mean to say that the teachers do not know how to speak English ?

Shri D. N. Joshi :- In view of the answer given by the Minister, may I know if there is any proposal to recruit people in the inspecting staff who know different languages ?

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, Education) :- By that question does the hon. Member mean whether a person should know all the five languages. That is not possible, and there is no proposal.

Construction of a motorable road to Lumparing

Shri D. D. Lapang asked :

172. Will the Minister-in-charge of Public Works Department be pleased to state -

	(a) Whether it is a fact that the provision for construction of a motorable road to connect Lumparing with the rest of the town was made in the 4^th Plan ?
	(b) If so, when the road was constructed ?

Shri D. D. Pugh [Minister of State, P. W. D. (R &B)] replied :

172.	(a) -Proposal to construct a road to Lumparing (Chaprasi Tilla ) in Shillong to a suitable point 1.80 Mile at a cost of one lakh was included in the 4^th Five Year Plan of the Composite State of Assam.
	(b) -Above Scheme was not implemented by the Government of Assam even up 18^thof April, 1972. When Meghalaya became a full. fledged State. In 18^thApril 1972 the P.W.D. took up the Scheme on the basic of Annual Plans and the road under reference was not included.

Shri P. N. Choudhury :- 172 (b), do the Government propose to construct other different roads, Sir. ?

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, P. W. D) :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, it has been included in the 5^th Five -Year Plan but not in the Annual Plan for 1974-75.

Shri D. D. Lapang :- May we know when the roads will be taken up for construction ?

Mr. Speaker :- That is already in the answer .

Shri P. R. Kyndiah :- Whether it is true that Meghalaya became a full fledged State on 18^thApril 1972 ? (Laughter).

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, P. W. D) :- No, Mr. Speaker, Sir, there should be a common before 'on'.

Amount surrendered by the different departments.

Shri G. Mylliemngap asked :

173. Will the Minister-in-charge of Finance be pleased to state the total amount surrendered by the different Departments of the Government during the financial year, 1973-74 (Head wise) ?

Shri B. B Lyngdoh (Minister of Finance) replied :

173. The required information is stated below -

STATEMENT SHOWING THE TOTAL AMOUNT SURRENDERED BY THE DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS DURING 1973-74.

Department	Head of Account	Total amount surrendered during 1973-74.
			Rs.	P.
Personnel Deptt.	1. "19-Genl. Admn.-A-Heads of States and Ministers.		53,28,000.	00
	2. "19-Genl. Admn.-II-Sectt. and attached offices - C - 2 - PSC -(Charges).		15,50,000.	00
	3. "19-Genl. Admn -III-Commr.. and Dist. Admn.-D-Commr.- States -voted".		18,29,300.	00
G. A. D.(A)	"19-Genl. Admn-II-Sectt. and attached offices.		1,16,852.	00
Finance (B) Deptt.	1. "19-Genl. Admn.-III-Commr. and Dist. Admn-E-I-(b) Treasury Establishment".		25,101.	00
	2."26-Misc. Deptts-I-National Savings Organisation".		30,677.	00
Public Health Engineering Deptt.	"30 PHE (PWD)		90,08,324.	00
P. W. D.	1."50-PW-A-C-W-(a) Building General-I-Reserve.		26,80,130.	00
	2. "100-Capital Outlay on Irrigation-N. E. D.-Works.		6,85,000	00
	3. "103-Capital Outlay on PW-outside the Rev. Account -A-C-W-(a)-Building-Voted".		1,18,14,000.	00

Finance Taxation	1. "10-State Excise duty "		29,990.	00
	2. "12-Sales tax and 13 -other Taxes and Duties".		3,900.	00
	3."14-Stamps".		1,708.	00
	4. "15-Registration Fees".		1,610.	00
Planning Department	1. "32-Rural Development "		6,24,000.	00
	2. "39 - Misc - Social and Developmental Organisation - Other Misc. Organisations-III-Planning Organisation.		23,18,369.	60

	3. "39-Misc.-Social and Developmental Organisation -Statistics -I-Directorate of Statistics ".		1,80,401.	81

Soil Conservation Department.	"70-Forests -II-Social Conservations".		3,77,655.	00
Revenue Department	1."9-Land Revenue "		1,52,089.	00
	2. "64- Famine Relief "		13,59,181.	00
Legislative Assembly	"18-Parliamentary-B-State Legislature.		91,674.	61
Election Department	"18-Parliamentary-State / U. T. Legislature-C-Election".		1,36,421.	00
Community Development Department.	"37-I-C-Dev-Project"		29,62,215.	00
Labour Department	1. "38-Labour-I-Labour"		37,767.	00
	2. "38-Labour-III-Inspectorate of Factories and Steam Boilers".		44,079.	00
	3. "38-Labour -IV-Employment and Training".		2,70,364.	00
Electricity Department	"38-Labour and Employment -II-Inspectorate of Electricity".		39,869.	00
Printing and Stationery Department	"68-Stationery and Printing"		7,77,021.	00
Home (Police) Department.	"23-Police"		19,18,200.	00
Home (Civil) Defence Department	"71 - Misc. - VIII - Civil Defence".		32,302.	00
Political Department	"71-Misc-I-etc-An Expenditure on account of State Prisoners and Detenues".		12,877.	00
Controller of Weights and Measures.	"26-Misc-Deptt-Other Misc. Organisations-III-Weights and Measures".		86,057.	00
General Administration Department.	1. "39-Misc-Social and Dev. Organisation-Other Misc. Organisation-VII-Soldier's and Airmen's Board".		12,481.	00

	2. "71-Misc-II-Donations for Charitable purposes, Grants -in-aid and Contribution, etc. "		40,000	00

	3. "71-Misc-VII-Misc and unforeseen charges".		35,000.	00
	4. "Q-Loans and Advances etc., XVI-Misc-loans and Advances".		5,000.	00
Finance (E) Department.	1. "Q-Loans and Advances, etc., XIII-Advances to Government Servants".		5,173.	37
	2. "65-Pensions and Other Retirement Benefits".		20,78,100.	00
	3. "66-Territorial and Political pensions".		3,80,200.	00
	4."120-Payment of Commuted value of pensions".		47,000.	00
	5. "19-G.A.-V-Local Fund and Audit Estt."		97,680.	00
Informations and Public Department.	"39-Misc-Social Dev. Organisations-Misc-IV -Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity".		74,628.	00
Informations and Public Department.
Forest Department	"70-Forests -Dev-Schemes -(FVVP)-II-Other State Plan Schemes".		64,995.	00
Industries Department	1. 35-Industries -I-Sericulture and Weaving".		2,58,500.	00
	2."Q-Loans and Advances, etc., VI-Industrial Loans".		15,000.	00
	3. 35-Industries -II-Cottage Industries".		11,94,797.	00
	4. 35-Industries -III-Major Industries		2,59,713.	00
	5. "96-Capital Outlay on Industrial-Dev-III-and-VII-etc".		55,000.	00
Geology and Mining Department	1. "96-Capital Outlay on Industrial and Economic Dev-I-Commercial".		8,427.	00
	2. "27-Scientific Deptt - D - Misc. Deptts - Organisation of the Directorate of Mineral Resources".		1,19,999.	00

Relief and Rehabilitation Department	"71-Misc.-V-Expdr. on displaced persons/A-Expdr. on displaced persons".		8,84,612.	00
Law Department	"21-Administartion of Justice"		2,20,515.	00
Transport Department	1. "39-Misc. and Dev. Organisation-II-Polled Transport".		1,895.	00
	2. "11-Taxes on Vehicles"		95,014.	00
Supply Department	1. "71-Misc.-II-Expdr. on issue of free Ration and Rice concession etc".		55,163.	86
	2. "124-Capital Outlay on Scheme of Government Trading".		2,84,122.	00
	3. "26 - Misc. Deptts - V - Civil Supplies Department".		80,932.	74
Agricultural Department	"31-Agricultural-Dev. -Scheme etc".		18,10,000.	00
Agricultural (Veterinary) Department	1. "33-AH etc, Dev. Scheme, etc."		3,10,629.	09
	2."39-Misc.,etc.,-XII-Dairy Dev".		1,99,762.	65
Co-operation Department.	1. "34-Co-operation"		31,392.	00
	2. "Q-Loans and Advances, etc. (V-Loans to Cooperative Societies)"		38,83,000.	00
Municipal Administration Department	71. Misc.-III-Grants-in-aid, Contributions, etc".		4,302.	00
Education Department	1. "28-Education (General)".		38,44,923.	00
	2. "28-Education-E-Technical"		1,87,810.	00
	3. "39-Misc.-Social & Dev. Organisations-Other Misc. Organs-VI-Directorate of Social Welfare".		1,62,400.	00

	4. "39-Misc-Social & Dev. Organisations-I-Preservation and Translation of Ancient Manuscript-A-Preservation and Translation Manuscript".		4,400.	00


District Council Affairs	"Misc-Social & Dev. Organisations-Misc.-(VI-Directorate of Social Welfare Dev. Sch. Fifth Five Year Plan)-II-Other State Plan Schemes-C-3-Contribution-Financial assistance to Dist. Council for construction".		2,92,014.	00


Health Department	1. "29-Medical"		5,74,017.	00
	2. "30-P. H. Health-I"		4,47,867.	00
	3. "30-A. F. Planning"		10,71,292.	00
			The probable savings of the Departments from the Schemes included in the Annual Plan Budget of 1973-74 have been located and re-allocated to other schemes.
	Grand Total .....	Rs. 5,13,93,674.73

Fair Price Shop's Dealers in Garo Hills

Shri Singjan Sangma asked:

174. Will the Minister-in-charge of Supply be pleased to state -

(a)	Whether it is a fact that subsidy Fair Price Shops are allowed to be opened only within the recognised border areas of Garo Hills?
(b)	If so, the number of such Fair Price Shops opened in Garo Hills and the name of dealers with their addresses along with the location of Subsidy Fair Price Shops?

Shri S. D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister of Supply) replied:

174.	(a) -Yes.
	(b)-There are 55 Subsidised Fair Price Shops in Garo Hills. The names, location an addresses are as follows:-

	Name of dealers	Name of Centre	Address
	(1)	(2)	(3)
1.	Shri Diren Marak	Sangkenigiri	Gamladingiri.
2.	Shri Nibaran Saha	Renigiri.	Sibbari.
3.	Shri Jimison Sangma	Mindikgiri.	Mindikgiri
4.	Shri Debitson D. Shira.	Dambuk-Apal	Rongra.
5.	Shri Arbinson Marak	Melimagar	Rongkhon agal.
6.	Shri Jogesh Hajong	Nilwagiri	Sibbari.
7.	Shri Nemson Marak.	Ashugiri	Bolchugiri.
8.	Shri Vitus R. Sangma.	Kharukol.	Alokpang.
9.	Shri Ansing Sangma.	Anangpara	Salmanpara.
10.	Shri Sonachan Sangma.	Kolapara.	Chengkhali.
11.	Shri Benedish R. Marak	Dumnikura.	Kolapara.
12.	Shri Jogat Sangma.	Papagiri	Sibbari.
13.	Shri Dasarath Paul	Jatrakon	Tura.
14.	Shri Erinal Marak	Moheskola (A)	Moheshkola.
	Shri Emison Sangma	Moheshkola (B)	Moheshkola.
15.	Shri Chekan Sangma	Silkigiri	Silkigiri.
16.	Shri Ishan Barman	Mahendraganj (a)	Mahendraganj.
	Shri Pradhan Sangma	Mahendraganj (b)	Nogorpara.
17.	Shri Biswambar Prasad	Kodaldhowa	Tura.
18	Shri Jira Sangma	Chokpot	Chokpot
19	Shri Somir Momin	Sibbari	Sibbari
20	Shri Lebith Marak	New Sibbari	Sibbari.
21.	Shri Jitson Marak.	Katuli (A)	Kalaichar.
	Sukdeo Prasad	Kutuli (B)	Tura.
22.	Shri Ronendra N. Hajong	Baksapara	Baksapara
23.	Shri Tahil Sangma	Mibonpara	Mibonpara
24.	Shri Blue Marak	Thinakgiri	Tura.
25.	Shri Gojosing Sangma	Rongasigiri	Rongasigiri
26	Shri Mansing Sangma	Damdiloka	Damdiloka
27.	Shri Jansing Sangma	Jatra-Adugiri	Silkigiri
28.	Shri Cornel Marak	Mahadeo (A)	Baghmara
	Shri Ramu Sangma	Mahadeo (B)	Baghmara
29.	Shri Benendra Sangma	Mitapgiri	Mitapgiri
30.	Shri Santi Ranjan Paul	Tarapara	Tura.
31.	Shri Pubon Marak	Sesengpara	Darenggiri.
32.	Shri Nogorsing Sangma	Salmanpara	Tura.
33.	Shri Nagseng Marak	Makhalpara	Makhalpara
34	.Shri Jengo Sangma	Siju (A)	Siju
	Shri Sona Sangma	Siju (B)	Siju
35	. Shri Probhatson Marak	Zikzak	Anangpara
36	Shri Hiralal Prasad	Purakasia (a)	Tura.
	Shri Nangan Lasker	Puraksia (B)	Jarangkuna.
37.	Shri A. Zalil.	Kalaichar.	Boldamgiri.
38.	Shri Mohim Marak	Chengali	Chengkali.
39.	Shri Trison Marak	Rongra	Rongra
40	Shri Rengjin Marak	Nengkhon	Nengkhon
41.	Shri Marwin R. Sangma	Rongru-Asim	Rongru-Asim
42.	Shri Mangal Sangma	Kenigiri	Monagiri.
43.	Shri Mingson Sangma	Sandongdapgiri.	Sathelekgiri.
44.	Shri Jatindra Seal.	Okkapara.	Tura.
45.	Shri Patrick Marak.	Baghmara (A)..	Baghmara.
	Shri Uma Sanker Prasad	Baghmara (B)	Tura.
46.	Shri Willington Rongmuthy	Bonbera	Bonbera.
47.	Shri Enally Marak	Cengapara.	Jarangaon.
48.	Shri Rengjin Marak	Emangiri	Nengkhon.
49.	Shri Raghubir Sing.	Gasuapara.	Tura.
50.	Shri Nogorsing Sangma	Ganchikolak	Tura.
51.	Shri Purendra Barman.	Betasing	Betasing.
52.	Shri Jadunath Koch	Ampati	Ampati.
53.	Shri Filim Hajong.	Mohenbagamegiri.	Sibbari.
54	Shri Bellison Sangma.	Nangalbibra (A)	Nangalbibra.
	Shri Swarath Prasad.	Nangalbibra (B)	Tura.
	Shri Dinderson Sangma	Nangalbibra (C).	Nangalbibra.
55	Shri Mintu Marak	Rongrikimigiri	Sibbari.

Shri Pritington Sangma :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, whether Government is aware of the fact that the retailers sellers from the 3 blocks have not been listed.

Mr. Speaker :- In other words, the hon. Member is asking whether this list is complete ?

Shri S. D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Supply) :- The list is given according to the number of Fair Price Shops that have been opened

Mr. Speaker :- That is a piece of information that the Minister may take note of.

Atta Chaki Mills in Garo Hills.

Shri Singjan Sangma asked :-

175. Will the Minister-in-charge of Supply be pleased to state-

	(a) The total number of Atta Chaki Mills operating in Garo Hills. at present with their milling capacity ?
	(b) The total quantity of wheat allotted to each of the Atta Chaki Mills in Garo Hills from December, 1973 to May, 1974 ?
	(c)Whether it is a fact that the quota of wheat is being allotted to each of the Atta Chaki Mills on the basis of their capacity ?
	(d) Whether it is a fact that free sales of atta are usually made by the mills ?
	(e) If so, the quantities sold by each of these mills during the period from 1973 to May, 1974 ?

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Supply) replied :

175.	(a)-There are 5 Chaki Mills operating at present in Garo Hills. Their names and milling capacity are as under :-

	Names of the Mills	Capacity per day.
1.	M/s K. C. Rice and Flour Mills, Garobadha	50	Quintals
2.	M/s Sumitra Atta Chaki Mills, Phulbari	75	"
3.	M/s Garo Hills Atta Chaki Mills, Phulbari	50	"
4.	M/s Garo Hills Cottage Industries, Tura.	15	"
5.	M/s Kazi and Zaman Rice and Atta Chaki Mills, Bhaitbari	50	"

(b)-The total quantity of wheat allotted to each Chaki Mills during the period in question is as follows :-

	Names of the Mills	Quantity allotted (in tonnes).
		Quantity allotted (in tonnes).
1.	M/s K.C. Rice and Flour Mills, Garobadha	105.
2.	M/s. Sumitra Atta Chaki Mills, Phulbari.	250
3.	M/s. Garo Hills Atta Chaki Mills Phulbari.	315.
4.	M/s. Garo Hills Cottage Industries, Tura.	50.
5.	M/s Kazi and Zaman Rice and Atta Chaki Mills, Phulbari.	120.
		840
		M/Tonnes

	(c) -Allotment is made depending upon the availability of stock, capacity of the mills and dependability of the machines, etc.
	(d) -Generally the Mills are not allowed free sale, but on certain occasion this is allowed due to accumulation of stocks to avoid deterioration of quality. Free sale on such occasion is allowed for a specific area only.
	(e) -The following quantity of atta was allowed free sale to each of the mills, namely :-

	Names of the Mills		Quantity (in quintals)
1.	M/s K. C. Rice and Flour Mills, Garobadha	.....	612
2.	M/s Sumitra Atta Chaki Mills, Phulbari	.....	440
3.	M/s Garo Hills Atta Chaki Mills, Phulbari	.....	1400
4.	M/s Garo Hills Cottage Industries, Tura.	.....	450
5.	M/s Kazi and Zaman Atta Chaki Mills, and Rice Mills, Bhaitbari.	.....	153

Monthly demand and supply of rice.

Shri Hopingstone Lyngdoh asked :

176. Will the Minister-in-charge of Supply be pleased to state-

	(a) The monthly demand of rice and the actual supply to each District in the State for the year 1973-74 upto May 1974 ?
	(b) Whether it is a fact that several thousand quintals of rice were transported from Shillong to Garo Hills in the month of May, 1974 ?
	(c) If so, the quantity and the person who received the same ?(the date of the receipt to be shown).

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Supply) replied :

176. (a) -Khasi Hills-

		Actual demand in quintal	Actual supply in quintal
April	1973	35,000	15,296.
May	"	35,000	20,519
June	"	35,000	16,543
July	"	35,000	11,988
August	"	35,000	11,511
September	"	35,000	11,000
October	"	35,000	8,053
November	"	35,000	19,447
December	"	35,000	29,375
January	1974	35,000	30,500
February	"	35,000	30,814
March	"	35,000	24,900
April	"	35,000	29,533
May	"	35,000	26,056
		Garo Hills
April	1973	14,000	10,000
May	"	10,000	9,000
June	"	10,000	9,000
July	"	10,000	8,500
August	"	10,000	7,000
September	"	10,000	6,000
October	"	10,000	8,000
November	"	12,000	13,000
December	"	2,000	2,000
January	1974	6,500	6,500
February	"	4,000	4,000
March	"	5,500	5,500
April	"	9,000	9,000
May	"	14,000	12,000
		Jaintia Hills
April	1973	3,650	3,111
May	1973	3,650	3,111
June	"	3,650	3,111
July	"	3,650	3,111
August	"	3,650	3,111
September	"	3,650	3,111
October	"	3,650	3,111
November	"	3,650	3,111
December	"	3,650	3,111
January	1974	3,650	3,111
February	"	3,650	3,111
March	"	3,650	3,111
April	"	3,650	3,111
May	"	3,650	3,111

	(b) -Government is not aware of the fact.
	(c) -Does not arise.

Price of Government Subsidised charged by Wholesalers

Shri Brojendro Sangma asked :

177. Will the Minister-in-charge of Supply be pleased to state-

	(a) Whether it is a fact that the price of Government Subsidised Rice charged by the Wholesalers at Baghmara is higher than that of the Wholesalers at Tura ?
	(b) If so, the reasons thereof ?
	(c) The names of the Wholesalers at Baghmara ?
	(d) The quantity of rice atta, flour, sujee, etc., lifted to Baghmara by the wholesalers till date ?
	(e) Whether distribution was done by the Wholesaler contractors to respective Fair Price Shops of Baghmara circle ?
	(f) If so, the quantity of rice, atta, flour sujee, etc., allotted to Fair Price Shops (Centre -wise) ?
	(g) The procedure of selection of Wholesalers ?

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Supply) replied :

177.	(a) -No.
	(b) -Does not arise.
	(c). -The names of the Wholesalers at Baghmara are :-

(1)	Shri Misorsing Sangma
(2)	Shri Kalu Marak, and
(3)	Shri K. K. Nath.

	(d)-The Wholesalers do not lift rice, atta, flour, sujee, etc, from Tura to Baghmara themselves but by the lessees appointed for the purpose on tender basis.
	(e)-No. The Fair Price Shops are to lift the essential commodities from the appointed Wholesalers in Baghmara circle. The transport and handling charges incurred in transporting the essential commodities from Tura to Baghmara by the lessees are borne by Government under the Essential Commodities Transport Subsidy Scheme for the Border Areas.
	(f)-Does not arise; but the following quantities of essential commodities were issued by the Wholesalers to the Fair Price Shops (Centre-Wise) from January, 1974 till 15^thJune, 1974-

	Centre	Rice	Sugar	Atta	Flour	Subject
1.	Nangalbibra	160 quintals	10 bags	16 bags	8 bags	....
2.	Rongra	200 quintals	10 bags	44 bags	24 bags	5 bags
3.	Mahadeo	270 quintals	10 bags	64 bags	36 bags	5 bags
4.	Rongru-Asim	100 quintals	10 bags	30 bags	50 bags	10 bags
5.	Baghmara	190 quintals	16 bags	80 bags	65 bags	15 bags
6.	Siju	160 quintals	12 bags	48 bags	26 bags	.....
7.	Nilwagiri	20 quintals	10 bags	22 bags	16 bags	1 bags
8.	Moheskhola	160 quintals	12 bags	39 bags	35 bags	......
9.	Bonbera	165 quintals,	10 bags	37 bags	32 bags	.....
10.	Nengkong	30 quintals	10 bags	7 bags	5 bags	....
11.	Imangiri	55 quintals	10 bags	12 bags	36 bags	10 bags
12.	Dambu -Apal	75 quintals	10 bags	20 bags	20 bags	.....
13.	Kharukol	25 quintals	10 bags	20 bags	10 bags	........

		1650 quintals	140bags	439bags	363bags	46 bags

(g) -The following factors are also taken into consideration for selection of whole salers besides the provisions of Clause 5 (1) of the Meghalaya Food grains (Licensing Control) Order, 1972.

The financial soundness of the person, business experience, availability of storage facility at one's disposal and reliability of the person concerned.

Fair Price Shop Permit Holders of the Ri-Bhoi Administrative Unit

Shri D. Dethwelson Lapang asked :

178. Will the Minister-in-charge of Supply be pleased to state-

	(a) The names and addresses of Fair Price Shop permit holders of Ri-Bhoi Administrative Unit ?
	(b) The villages covered by every permit holder.
	(c) The quantity of rice, sugar, atta and sujee allotted to every permit holder respectively during the last six months ?

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Supply) replied :

178.	(a) -Jointly, Gondro Lapang, Enlosibon, Edring, Eris, Oniwell, Jngam, Klistine, Tarsis, Shatai Umsning Service Co-operative Society, Raidon, Kolen, Elington, Phiarmon, Teishon, Phrool, Jir, Skiaran, Bisoroy, Roland, Wesilda, Resina, Kleh, Bhaneswar, Kmuin, Burson, Livingstone, Donrai, Helen, Medina, K. Abbas, Erington, Waitsy, Umiam Service Co-operative Society, Sumer Co-operative Society, Mawkhan Service Co-operative Society, Khlieh Umtrew Service Cooperative Society, Bhoi Area Service Co-operative Society, Onjo Roy, Mos Suphai, Wentimai, Phewlioris, Najing Sangma, Philip Sangma, P. Diltila, Jmor, Brosswell, Hana, Francis, Mar Kharsati, Edward Hored Kurbah, Mani Roy, Olen Roy, Rion, Wistar, Abia Singh, Hussein Ahmed, Thosy, Philing Shadap, Ngor, Scot, Tirsingh, Byllien, Bensimai, Be Kyndiah, Wetsibon, Storis, Umsning, Sub-Area Service Co-operative Society, Orsingh, Binot, Plisimai, Moldwin, Odwist, Pullishon Iaroh, Dipshon, Tenis Maiong, Oral, Diengdoh, Nodren, Shura-money, Ket Singh, Methilda, Dhory Kurbah ; Olishon and Myllon.






	(b)-(1) Jointly-Umsaitsning, Umdamli, Umsnu, Lumkhuti, Lum barnger and Sohilyia.
		(2) Gondro Lapang-Umdiha, Umsawnongkharai, Irbagaon Jendro and Dolangnar.
		(3) Enlosibon-Saiden, Mawtnum, Iewsier, Nongrim Jyrmi, Mawpdang and Mawderon.
		(4) Edring-Sonidan, Umbi-Lamalang, Umlatyrkhah and Mawlaho.
		(5) Eris -Marngar, Umsyntai, Umjakoit, Umtah, Umkaduh, Umkapian and Nongkya .
		(6) Oniwell-Nongkhrah and Nonglyngdoh.
		(7 Jngam-Umbir Umsaw, Umniuh, Umsaw Lumjyntep and Mairung.
		(8) Klistine -Nongkya, Nonbri and Umranong.
		(9) Tarsis-Mawthei,
		(10) Shatai -Nongsder, Umladew, Thapbalieh, Rangmen, Mawkapiang, Pyllum, Umktieh, Umphrew and Mawdiangdiang.
		(11) Umsaw Service Co-operative Society -Members and Share holders.
		(12) Raidon -Tyrso A, Tryso B, and Umtngang.
		(13) Kolen-Mawlyngkhung, Banbudai and Raliang.
		(14) Elington -Pahamsyiem, Garikhana, Pamsohtri and Pamlapang.
		(15) Phiarmon-Umsning, Nongrman and Khliehiew .
		(16) Teishon -Umtasor, Umtasor Nongjyrmi, Kynjoin Umkesh and Umtasor Mawdkar.
		(17) Phrool-Umdem and Umdaittbah.
		(18) Jir- Umpowin, Mawsnai Kyndawso and Thadrong.
		(19) Skiarin-Raitong, Tdohumtiaw, Tdohumsiang, Tiehwieh, Umjri, Jubi, Ummyrsiang and Lumprat.
		(20) Bisoroy-Bhoilymbong, Umsohpieng, Nongkdait, Lumdiengkhla, Iowar Nangkdait and Palawi.
		(21) Roland-Mawrong and Syngku.
		(22) Wesilda-Kyrdem, Mawbseing, Klew, Mawpyrdet, Mawblang, Mawkum, Mawkyrdep, Nongthymmai, Mawkwai, Sohriewblei, Umraling and Nongpdeng.
		(23) Resina-Mawbri, Khweng, Liarshluid Mynriumsning, Madanriting and Nongladew.
		(24) Kleh-Mawhati, Lumriwar, Pomkya, Kynjatah, Kyntoit Iew, Suhumdoh, Sohpoh and Ksehkynjoin.
		(25) Bhaneswar - Umsaw.
		(26) Kmuin - Lalsharia, Byrwa, Mawkhan and Mawlein.
		(27) Burson - Pham icoh.
		(28) Livingstone-Umjersi, Nartap, Mawpdeng, Sohlait and Sarkang and Iawsir.
		(29) Donrai - Umsawnongbri.
		(30) Helen - Umling.
		(31) Medina - Sumer P. House, Staff of ASEB station at Sumer P. House.
		(32) K. Abbas - Sumer P. House Staff ASEB stationed at Sumer P. House.
		(33) Erington -Kyrdemkulai, Staff of Kyrdemkulai stationed at Zero Point.
		(34) Witasy-Barapani, Staff of ASEB, stationed at Barapani.
		(35) Umiam Service Co-operative Society -Umiam Consumers.
		(36) Sumer Service Co-operative Society-Barapani.
		(37) Mawkhan Service Co-operative Society-Lalsharai members.
		(38) Khlieh Umtrew Service Co-operative -Umtrew.
		(39) Bhoi Area Service Co-operative Society-Umsning.
		(40) Onjo Roy-Umroi.
		(41) Mos Suphai-Umtyrkhang, Umlaper, Mawkhmi and Korhadem.
		(42)Wentimai-Byrwa Staff of Kyrdem Kulai stationed at Byrwa.
		(43). Phewlioris -Byrnihat.
		(44) Najing Sangma -Killing, Killing Rit, Soibil, Botta Basti, Hatinura and Parithua.
		(45) Philip Sangma -Maikhali Nongthymmai Umtyrnga, Pilankata Nongspung, Phaltar Khuri and Latakata.
		(46) P. Diltila - Umdem, Umkoh and Kuswai.
		(47) Jmor - Tamulchusi, Borbhium, Nongkalang, Umbhir and Rangsakona.
		(48) Browell - Umsamlem.
		(49)Hana-Mawser, Nongtwahsohtyngkhah, Umsohlang, Umdihar, Mawkhalai, Sohdkhar, Mawlyngngun and Nongrumumksih.
		(50) Francis - Umktieh.
		(51) Mar Kharsati - Lumsyiap.
		(52) Edward-Sumer Ada, Sumer Bridge, Dykes, Iapkynthei.
		Sohpetbeng and Audit No.2.
		(53 Hored Kurbah - Nonglum, Bangla and Umtangling.
		(54) Mani Roy-Umtrai, Umlaper, Mawker and Mawksiew.
		(55) Olen Roy-Mawlein, Umtrew and Mawkhan.
		(56) Rion-Thad, Sohpdok, Paitklong and Mawkyndur.
		(57) Wistar - Umshiaw, Mawkynroh, Mawpyrhut and Umlaiteng.
		(58) Abia Singh-Pahambir, Umkadudur, Mawiong, Mawrynkneng and Pahemskhem.
		(59) Hussain Ahmed-14^th Mile U/J Road, Diengngan, Ksehkynjoin and Mawpyrhut.
		(60) Thosy - Umran, Niangbyrnai, Kulkhuria and Nongdewsai.
		(61) Philing Shadap-Umtung, Mawpun, Mawduwar and Mawbsein.
		(62) Ngor - Lawbyrwa.
		(63) Scot-Umket, Umtung, Nongtraw, Nongtariang, Manduwar and Palwi.
		(64) Tirsing -Umdiengngan, Nongkyndong, Pynthor Kseh and Wahkamon.
		(65) Byllien-Ingsaw.
		(66) Bensimai-Pynthor and Mynsain.
		(67) Be Kyndiah/Laitsiar, "Jeir, Mawkaleng, Mawrathud Lamalong and Umlatara.
		(68)Wetsibon-Liarkhla, Thadnongiaw, Kdonghulu, Liarbang, Lumblei, Nongrim, Sohlyia, Khliehumstem, Nongsohiong and Mawshrieh.
		(69) Storis - Myrdon, Mawtari and Nongmahir.
		(70) Umsning Sub Area Service Co-operative -Umsning.
		(71)Orsingh - Pamlaban, Umsohlait, Pdengnongrim, Umkra, Pamrynniai, Mawbriw and Pamdiengngan.
		(72) Binot - Myrdon Nongbah, Umksih and Umdewsaw.
		(73) Phlisimai - Umjri, Umshaken, Umpathew, Mawphrur Pahamkroh and Umbi.
		(74). Moldwin - Mawkangi, Umthangiong, Bongleng, Umshakait and Mawlynngai.
		(75) Odwist - Kawlong, Umdohkla, Umlakhar and Umrang.
		(76) Phullishon - Nongladew, Mawtneng, Nongrim and Umshaproh.
		(77) Iaroh - Kdohhati, Mawhati. Umsohphoh, Ksehkynjoin, Lumdengkyntoit, Kyntoit Jatah, Kyntoitumwiehsnieh, Lumaniwar, Knytoit Lumpyrdaw and Shnong Laitsyiar.
		(78) Dipshon - Shakoina, Umdap, Umsohbar and Umiong.
		(79) Tenis Maiong - Borduwa, Kharpati, Umponglong and Umshakoit.
		(80) Oral Diengdoh-Mawsmai, Jorbat, Chotakilling, Umjoh and Balian.
		(81) Nodren/Panitola, Pahamsohpai, Paham jumlei, Thandu and Pahamidum.
		(82) Shuramuny -Syadrit, Syadheh, Umtrew, Umiarong., Umtham, and Kyrdemkulai.
		(83) Ketsingh - Nongthymmai.
		(84) Methilda - Nongpoh Station, Mawroh and Umbuda.
		(85) Dhory Kurbah- 15^thmile of Byrnihat.
		(86) Olishon - Pahamjula, Lambrang, Umsem, Garobhang and Umdaprngi.
		(87)Myllon-Hynniangbarithem, 18^thand 19^th Miles G. S. Road, Sohkhwai, Narang, Nongthymmai, Umdu, Khongripara and Niangbarilum.

	Rice	Atta	Sugar	Sujee
1.	21.00	3 bags.	8.00	--
2.	19.18	3 "	8.00	---
3.	46.90	3 "	18.00	--
4.	21.24.	3 "	6.00	---
5.	82.46	3 "	30.00	--
6.	23.10	3 "	9.00	--
7.	43.20	6 "	14.00	--
8.	24.30	3 "	9.00	--
9.	15.00	5 "	6.00	--
10.	41.19	5 "	16.00	--
11.	93.30	3 "	49.00	--
12.	79.98	3 "	33.00	--
13.	19.32	3 "	7.00	--
14.	165.76	3 "	50.00	--
15.	37.94	3 "	14.00	--
16.	37.38	3 "	7.00	--
17.	48.45	5 "	12.00	1 bag.
18.	25.80	4 "	8.00	1 bag.
19	29.82	3 "	13.00	--
20.	66.48	12"	16.00	1 bag.
21.	31.08	3 "	13.00	--
22.	60.75	5 "	24.00	---
23.	68.49	11"	26.00	1 bag.
24.	72.24.	4 "	25.00	--
25.	16.78	5 "	6.00	1 bag.
26.	17.70	6 "	5.00	1 bag.
27.	---	--	---	---
28.	---	--	---	--
29.	41.44	3 "	15.00	---
30.	101.12	6 "	32.00	1 bag.
31.	352.62	37"	96.00	1 bag.
32.	198.72	28"	50.00	1 bag.
33.	112.50	17"	26.00	1 bag.
34.	319.77	37"	83.00	1 bag.
35.	108.45	18"	28.00	1 bag.
36.	105.30	15"	32.00	1 bag.
37.	46.20	7 "	7.00	1 bag.
38.	59.36	3 "	22.00	--
39.	35.00	3 "	12.00	--
40.	84.45	13"	26.00	1 bag.
41.	93.24	3 "	37.00	--
42.	70.73	11"	18.00	1 bag.
43.	31.50	3 "	11.00	_---
44.	56.14	3 "	18.00	_---
45.	80.92	3 "	27.00	_---
46.	83.14	3 "	29.00	_---
47.	18.90	3 "	10.00	---
48.	75.74	3 "	26.00	_---
49.	44.52	3 "	15.00	_----
50.	23.70	7 "	9.00	1 bag
51.	47.40	7 "	18.00	1 bag.
52.	57.75	8 "	13.00	1 bag.
53.	27.30	6 "	9.00	1 bag.
54.	22.96	3 "	7.00	--
55.	32.70	7 "	6.00	1 bag
56.	31.78	3 "	11.00	---
57.	41.30	3 "	15.00	---
58.	47.74	3 "	19.00	---
59.	18.20	3 "	7.00	--
60.	33.60	3 "	12.00	--
61.	23.10	4 "	3.00	---
62.	21.30	6 "	7.00	1 bag
63.	34.95	6 "	11.00	1 bag
64.	28.20	6 "	7.00	1 bag
65.	_22.40	_{3 "}	_8.00	_---
_66.	_15.90	_{6 "}	_6.00	_{1 bag}
_67.	_32.16	_{3 "}	_14.00	_---
_68.	_48.00	_{4 "}	_15.00	_{1 bag}
_69.	_30.66	_{3 "}	_12.00	_--
_70.	_42.54	_{3 "}	_13.00	_---
_71.	_38.50	_{3 "}	_14.00	_---
_72.	_20.86	_{3 "}	_8.00	_----
_73.	_31.22	_{3 "}	_12.00	--
_74.	_39.34	_{3 "}	21.00	--
_75.	_39.62	3 "	8.00	--
_76.	34.95	2 "	8.00	1 bag.
77.	23.12.	3 "	5.00	----
78.	29.76.	3 "	7.00	---
79.	16.66	3 "	4.00	--
80.	26.46.	3 "	8.00	--
81.	72.90.	4 "	12.00	--
82.	26.40	3 "	6.00	--
83.	6.84.	3 "	3.00	---
84.	15.59	4 "	5.00	---
85.	16.48	3 "	2.00	---
86.	---	---	2.00	---
87.	---	---	3.00	--

Mr. Speaker :- Before we pass on to 179, it will be more convenient on the part of the Minister, the House and for the efficient working of the Members that this kind of long information should be placed on the Table of the House.

Taking over of Assam Government Press.

Shri Parsvanath Choudhury asked :

179. Will the Minister-in-charge of Printing and Stationery be pleased to state.:-

	(a) The date when the Assam Government Press, Shillong was taken over by the Government of Meghalaya ?
	(b) Whether formal orders for taking over were issued by the Government ?
	(c) If not, why ?
	(d) The total number of Supervisory, Industrial and Ministerial staff of the Government of Assam working in the Press at present ?
	(e) Whether all the members of the staff are on deputation to the Government of Meghalaya ?
	(f) Whether Government propose to retain all the existing staff ?
	(g) If so, whether there are sufficient works for these staff ?
	(h) If not, how does Government propose to utilize the excess staff ?

Shri Brington Buhai Lyngdoh (Minister -in-charge of Printing and Stationery) replied :

170.	(a)-According to Section 7 (i) of the Sixth Schedule to the North Eastern Areas (Re-organisation) Act, 1971 of the Government Press, Shillong passed to the State of Meghalaya on 21^st January 1972.
	(b) and (c)-The Government Press at Shillong came over to Meghalaya with effect from 21^stJanuary, 1972 under the provision of the North Eastern Areas (Re-organisation) Act, 1972. As such, the issue of formal orders of this effect was not considered necessary.
	(d)-The total number of Supervisory, Industrial and Ministerial staff deputed from the Government of Assam and working in the Government Press, Shillong, at present are -

Gazetted		....	5
Non-Gazetted	(Industrial)	-
Supervisory		....	18
Others		....	325
Non-Gazetted	(Ministerial)	-
Supervisory		....	1
Others		....	65
	Total		414

(e) -Yes, on deputation but without any deputation allowance.

(f), (g), and (h)-It is proposed to retain only the requisite number of staff needed for execution of the works of the Meghalaya Government and other usual works in the Government press Shillong, and the excess staff will be replaced at the disposal of the Government of Assam. So far, 33 Industrial and Ministerial staff have been transferred to Assam and further replacement of staff is under examination of this Government and the matter is being taken up with the Government of Assam.

Tribal and Non-Tribal Contractors in Garo Hills.

Prof. Martin Narayan Majaw asked :

180.	(a) Will the Chief Minister be pleased to refer to the replies to Unstarred Questions No. 156 (a) and No. 36 given on the 7^thJuly and on the 6^thDecember 1972 respectively and state whether the information with regard to non-tribal contractors in the Garo Hills District has since been collected ?

	(b) If not, when can these be expected ?

Shri Darwin D. Pugh (Minister of State in-charge of P. W. D.) replied :

180.	(a) -Yes, Sir and the information is placed on the Table of the House.
	(b) -Does not arise .

Myngken Christian Proceeding High School.

Shri Dlosing Lyngdoh asked :

181. Will the Minister in-charge of Education be pleased to state-

	(a) Whether it is a fact that the Myngken Christian Proceeding High School is a Government Aided School.?
	(b) If so, the amount so far sanctioned as grants-in-aid to the said school under the following heads with the date of sanction of each grant year wise ?
	(i)	School Building.
	(ii)	Hostel Building.
	(iii)	Teachers pay.
	(iv)	Maintenance.
	(c) The requisite educational qualification prescribed for teachers in a High School ?

Shri Darwin D. Pugh (Minister of State in-charge of Education) replied :

181. (a)-Yes, Sir.

(b)-

(i)	Rs. 15,000-(1966-67)
	Rs.10,000-(1967-68)
	Rs. 3,000-(1968-69)
	Rs.28,000

(ii)	Rs. 2,000-(1966-67).
	Rs. 2,000-(1969-70)
	Rs. 3,000-(1970-71).
	Rs.10,000-(1971-72).
	Rs.17,000
(iii)	Nil.
(iv)	Recurring grants for general maintenance :

1970-71.

	Rs.600 per mensem (Normal) for 6 months with effect from 2^ndApril, 1970 to 30^thSeptember, 1970.
	Rs.600 per mensem (Normal) for 5 months from 1^stOctober 1970 to 28^thFebruary 1971.
	Rs.300 per mensem (Plan) from 2^ndApril 1970 to 28^thFebruary 1971.
	Rs.100 per mensem (Plan) Additional grant for 6 months from 1^stSeptember 1970 to 28^thFebruary 1971.

1971-72.

Rs.600 per mensem (Normal) and Rs.400 per mensem (Plan).

1972-73.

Rs.600 per mensem (Normal) and Rs.400 per mensem (Plan).

1973-74.

Rs.600 per mensem ( Normal) and Rs.400 per mensem (Plan).

(c)-There are two categories of teachers in Aided High School Corresponding to Class II A. S. S. and Assam Lower School existing in Government Schools. The qualifications required , as prescribed under "The Amended Assam Aided High and Higher Secondary Schools, Employees Rules " are :-
	(i)	Assistant Teacher -At least a Bachelor's Degree.
	(ii)	Other assistant teachers :-
		(a) A simple pass in the first Part of the Degree Examination. or.
		(b) A Matriculate Normal, or
		(c) Such other qualifications as may be prescribed by Government from time to time.

Employment of a Retired Headmaster

Shri Winstone Syiemiong asked :

182. Will the Minister -in-charge of Education be pleased to state-

	(a) Whether it is fact that Shri K. R. Deb, retired Headmaster of the Shillong Government High School has been re-employment as Headmaster of Shillong Jail Road Boys High School ?
	(b) Whether it is also a fact that he has been drawing his salary equivalent to the last pay drawn by him in Government service over and above his pension ?
	(c) If so, on what consideration?

Shri Darwin D. Pugh (Minister of State in-charge of Education) replied :

182.	(a) -Yes, on contract basis.
	(b) -Yes.
	(c) -Fixation of his pay was made on the basis of a contract deeds executed between him and the School authority. However the matter is being reviewed.

Shri Hopingstone Lyngdoh :- 182. (a) What are the terms of the contract ?

Mr. Speaker :- What are the terms of the contract in the appointment of Shri K. R. Deb. ?

Shri Darwin D. Pugh (Minister of State in-charge of Education) :- He is drawing his last pay drawn.

Shri Winstone Syiemiong :- May we know, if the last pay given to him can be termed as a contract ? Will the Minister please clarify that ?

Shri Hopingstone Lyngdoh :- Sir, what are the terms of the contract ? I think the contract must be categorical.

Prof. Martin Narayan Majaw :- Certainly, how can a man get his pension as well as draw the last pay drawn ?

Shri Darwin D. Pugh (Minister of State in-charge of Education) :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, I require notice to reply to the question asked by the hon. Member from Nongspung.

Mr. Speaker :- I think the hon. Member from Nongspung has asked about the terms of the contract but it appears you are not prepared to answer. You may require notice because you cannot point out only one thing.

Shri Hopingstone Lyngdoh :- Another Supplementary, Sir, with whom the contract was signed. Who were the parties ?

Shri Darwin D. Pugh (Minister of State in-charge of Education) :- The school authorities and the Headmaster.

Shri Parsvanath Choudhury :- Sir, whether the contract was approved by the Government ?

Shri Darwin D. Pugh (Minister of State for Education) :- By implication, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

Shri Martin Narayan Majaw :- What does the Minister mean "by implication" ?

Shri Darwin D. Pugh (Minister of State for Education) :- Because it is a School raised on local funds and is under the deficit system .

Shri Martin Narayan Majaw :- Was the Government consulted before the contract was entered into ?

Shri Darwin D. Pugh (Minister of State in-charge of Education) :- I require notice for that, Sir.

Shri Winstone Syiemiong :- Whether the A. G. is in the know of it ?

Shri Darwin D. Pugh (Minister of State for Education) :- Yes Mr. Speaker, Sir.

Shri Winstone Syiemiong :- May we know the letter number ?

Mr. Speaker :- That is irrelevant. When the Minister says that he requires notice on the terms of the contract, you cannot expect any supplementary will be replied to by him off-hand.

Prof. M. N. Majaw :- Is this a common practice in the Education Department to re-employ persons and also give them pension ?

Mr. Speaker :- That is a new question.

Shri W. Syiemiong :- May we know his monthly salary, I mean, what is the total amount ?

Shri Darwin D. Pugh (Minister of State for Education) :- Subject to correction, Sir, it is Rs.500 per mensem.

Prof. M. N. Majaw :- For how many years has he been working ?

Shri Darwin D. Pugh (Minister of State for Education) :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, I do not know the date.

Shri F. K. Mawlot :- May we know the rate of pension. Mr. Speaker, Sir ?

Mr. Speaker :- How many questions will you ask and how can you expect the Minister to reply to so many questions ?

Prof. M. N. Majaw :- But, Sir, this is an important matter on how the Government can re-employ a person and then give him pension also.

Shri Darwin D. Pugh (Minister of State for Education) :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, when the matter was brought to our notice we had taken up with the school authorities and the A. G. The matter now is under review.

( A Voice : That ends the matter).

Shri Dlosing Lyngdoh :- 182 (a), Sir, I Shri K. R. Deb a technical man ?

Mr. Speaker :- I do not understand your word "technical" but the high school cannot be a technical institution. Certainly the Shillong Jail Road Boy's High School cannot be called a technical institution. I think I will not allow this kind of question. It appears that the whole thing is for the Government to take down notes as pointed out by the hon. Members regarding the terms of the contract and the whole objection here arises not that of the person but of the principle as to why the incumbent should draw an amount equivalent to his last pay drawn plus his pension. That is the only controversy and why should we get excited over this.

Shri H. Hadem :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, may I ask one more supplementary question ? Under what specific rules that these employee has been allowed to draw both pension and pay ?

Mr. Speaker :- That is what the hon. Members have been asking the Minister and he has asked for leave of the House that he needs notice.

Shri Maham Singh :- Only one more question, Sir. What is the age of this teacher ?

Shri Darwin D. Pugh (Minister of State for Education) :- Since I do not recall when he retired, I cannot calculate his age.

Land for Girls Hostel of the Jowai High School.

Prof. M. N. Majaw : asked :

183. Will the Chief Minister be pleased to state-

	(a) How much land was acquired for Girls' hotel of the Jowai High School. ?
	(b) When was this land acquired ?
	(c) The amount allotted for the construction of the hostel building ?
	(d) When did construction work begin ?
	(e) The amount spend so far ?
	(f) When will the building be completed ?

Shri Darwin D. Pugh (Minister of State in-charge of Education) replied :

183.	(a) -20, 122 sq. ft.
	(b) -On 10^thJanuary, 1964.
	(c) -The Project was administratively approved at Rs.4,08,700. An amount of Rs.50,000 has been provided in the current year's P. W. D. Budget .
	(d) -Construction work has not yet been started.
	(e) -Nil
	(f) -Expected year of completion will be 1976 subject to availability of building materials.

Shri B. B. Shallam :- 183 (b) Sir. May we know the reason why there is delay in the matter of construction of this hostel in spite of the fact that acquisition of land was made 10 years ago ?

Mr. Speaker :- That is argumentative.

Prof. M. N. Majaw :- 183 (d), Sir. Why was the construction delayed.

Shri D.D. Pugh (Minister of State for Education) :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Chief Engineer, yet to give his approval and as soon as that is done the work will be started.

Shri Maham Singh :- Why was there delay in giving the approval ? The approval could not have been given at least from 1970.

Mr. Speaker :- That becomes argumentative. If you had asked, only why there delay in the approval it would have been allowed. But further than that becomes argumentative.

(A voice : He should reframe his question).

Shri D.D. Pugh (Minister of State for Education) :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, we have not instructed an enquiry as to why there is delay but I presume that since this is an old matter which has been laying pending, the filco must have got stuck somewhere. (Laughter).

Mr. Speaker :- At least for the Girl's hostel there seems to be lively interest.

Shri B.B. Shallam :- Has anything been done due to detect the whereabouts of the file ?

Shri D.D. Pugh (Minister of State for Education) :- Yes, Mr. Speaker, Sir. And attempt will be made to start the work.

Shri H. Hadem :- Is it a fact that the parents of the girls students.

Mr. Speaker :- Are you still in 183 ?

Shri H. Hadem :- Yes, Mr. Speaker, Sir. The parents of the girl students are incurring extra expenditure in view of the fact that there is no girls' hostel.

Mr. Speaker :- That is irrelevant.

Sub-Inspectors of Schools for Garo Hills.

Shri H. S. Lyngdoh asked :

184. Will the Minister-in-charge of Education be pleased to state-

	(a) The matter of the different Sub-Inspectors of Schools for Garo Hills since 1970 till 1973 with their qualifications and length of service of each ?
	(b) Whether it is a fact one Hubert R. Sangma the Senior most Sub-Inspector of Schools Garo Hills, is superseded by his junior ?
	(c) If so, why ?
	(d) Whether it is a fact that one Bijon Buhari former Sub-Inspector of Schools, Garo Hills, has been appointed Deputy Inspector of Schools of Simsanggiri Sub-division ?
	(e) If so, why and when ?

Shri D.D. Pugh (Minister of State in-charge of Education) replied :

184.	(a) -A statement is placed on the Table of the House.
	(b) -No, Sir.
	(c) -Does not arise.
	(d) -Yes. Sir.
	(e) -Shri B. B. Richil is next in seniority to Shri Harold Momin, D. I of Schools, Tura. Hence he was appointed as D. I. of Schools Simsanggiri. Appointment order was issued on 3^rdMay 1974 and he took over-charge on 1^stJune, 1974.

Integrated Child Development Centre.

Shri W. Ceil R. Marak asked :

185. Will the Minister-in-charge of Social Welfare be pleased to state-

	(a) Whether it is a fact that the State Board of Social Welfare has recommended to the Government to open the Integrated Child Development Centre at Selsella in Garo Hills District ?
	(b) If so, whether it has been approved by the Government ?
	(c) If not, why ?

Shri Darwin D. Pugh (Minister of State in-charge of Education) replied :

185.	(a) -Yes, Sir.
	(b) & (c)-The matter is under examination of Government. The recommendation of the Board will be taken into consideration.

Powers, etc., of the Youth Coordinator

Shri W. Cecil R. Marak asked :

186. Will the Minister-in-charge of Youth and Social Welfare be pleased to state-

	(a) The powers and functions of the Youth Co-coordinator ?
	(b) The activities achieved through this body in the Fourth Plan ?

Shri D.D. Pugh (Minister of State in-charge of Education) replied :

186.	(a) -The Youth Coordinator has been so far organizing and coordinating sports among Youth ?
	(b) -The Youth Coordinator has confined his activity to coordinating and organizing sports among Youth.

Shri Plansing Marak :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, may we know what are the powers as has been asked in 186 (a)?

Shri D.D. Pugh (Minister of State for Education) :- To co-ordinate various sports.

Grants, etc., Colleges in the State.

Prof. Alexander Warjri asked :

187. Will the Minister-in-charge of Education be pleased to state-

(a) The number of :-
	(i)		Aided Colleges in Meghalaya ?
	(ii)		Colleges under deficit Scheme ?
(b) The difference in the principles of fixing the amount of grants for buildings, library, play grounds, etc., to these two categories of Colleges ?
(c) The amount of total grants sanctioned for each college during 1972-73 and 1973-74 ?
(d) Whether Government takes into consideration the following criteria before sanctioning various grants to colleges ?
(i)		The size of a college.
(ii)		The number of students.
(iii)		The number of Pass and Honours subjects in the college.
(iv)		The number of teachers.
(v)		The performances of the colleges in the University Examinations.

Shri Darwin D. Pugh (Minister of State in-charge of Education) replied :

187.	(a) -
		(i)	13 Nos.
		(ii)	6 Nos.
	(b) -There is no difference in sanction of non-recurring grants. Generally, however, weightage is given to ad-hoc grant colleges which are yet to grow upto the required standard; except in cases where grants are required by deficit colleges for completion of schemes assisted by U. G. C. or other specific expansion programmes.
	(c) -A statement is placed on the Table of the House.
	(d) -All the four factors except No. (v) are taken into account along with other important factors some of which are :-
		(i)	Actual need of the college.
		(ii)	Proven ability of the college to utilize grants fruitfully and past performance in utilizing the grants.

Expenditure on Nutrition Exhibitions

Shri Rowell Lyngdoh asked :

188. Will the Minister-in-charge of Community Development be pleased to state-

	(a) The total expenditure incurred in each Development Block for holding the Nutrition Exhibitions in the State so far ?
	(b) Total amount so far spent by each Block for prizes and awards ?
	(c) The benefit or achievement that has accrued from such exhibitions ?

Shri Edwingson Bareh (Minister-in-charge of Community Development) replied :

188.	(a) and (b) -A statement is placed on the Table of the House.
	(c) -The exhibitions have inculcated the idea of Nutrition into the mind of the people and have demonstrated to them what are the Nutrition food articles and how to improve the health of the children.

Development Block in Garo Hills

Shri Singjan Sangma asked :

189. Will the Minister-in-charge of Agriculture be pleased to state-

	(a) The total amount sanctioned to each of the Development Blocks in Garo Hills under the Crash Schemes during the year 1972-73 ?
	(b) Whether it is a fact that certain Block in Garo Hills took up a Scheme for supplying baby food within their jurisdiction during the year 1972-73 ?
	(c) The names of such Blocks ?
	(d) The items of baby food provided for this scheme ?
	(e) The names of contractors to whom the supply of baby food was entrusted ?

Shri Edwingson Bareh (Minister-in-charge of Community Development) replied :

189.	(a) -A statement is placed on the Table of the House.
	(b) -Yes.
	(c) -Dalu, Dambuk-Aga, Zik-Zak, Dambo-Rongieng, Resubelpara, Dadenggiri, Selsella, Chokpot, Songsak and Betasing.
	(d) -Bananas, Oranges, Vegetables, Suji, Atta, Gram, Fresh, Milk, Glaxo, Amul Spray, Horlicks, etc.
	(e) -A statement is placed on the Table of the House.

Granting of Bar Licenses.

Shri Dlosing Lyngdoh asked :

190. Will the Minister-in-charge of Excise be pleased to state-

	(a) Whether it is a fact that the Government of Meghalaya is granting Bar licenses in the different parts of the State ?
	(b) If so, how many Bar licenses have been granted as on 30^thMarch, 1974 ?
	(c) The amount of revenue received from such licenses ?
	(d) The number of Bar licenses issued in the State Capital ?
	(e) The number of persons convicted and fined in Shillong Court for drunkard ness and public nuisances since the opening of licensed bars at Shillong ?
	(f) The number of man-days taken by the Magistrate and police in dealing with the cases of drunkard ness since the opening of licensed bars at Shillong ?

Shri Brington Buhai Lyngdoh (Minister-in-charge of Excise) replied :

190.	(a) -Yes.
	(b) -9 (Nine) .
	(c) -Rs. 4,842.23 p.
	(d) -6 (six)
	(e) -Number of persons convicted is 298 during 1^st January 1974 upto 19^th June 1974.
	(f) -The above number of cases were detected during special drives as well as by regular patrol parties of the Police Station and Beat House. As such, it is difficult to assess man-days.

Shri B. B. Shallam :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, may we know whether there is any such proposal to set up a bar at Jowai.

Shri B.B. Lyngdoh (Minister, Excise) :- No Sir.

Shri Francis K. Mawlot :- Under (e), how many police personnel have so far been arrested for drunkenness?

Shri B.B. Lyngdoh (Minister, Excise) :- I require notice.

Supply of Power by the Shillong Hydro Electric Co.

Prof. Alexander Warjri asked :

191. Will the Minister-in-charge of Electricity be pleased to state-

	(a) Whether Government is aware of the fact that the supply of power by the Shillong Hydro Electric Co. to the Shillong Town and its outskirts is very inadequate ?
	(b) If so, whether this failure is due to the negligence of the Company ?
	(c) The expiry date of the license issued to the Company ?
	(d) Whether Government proposes to renew the license when it expires ?

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister-in-charge of Electricity) replied :

191.	(a)- No. Although, voltage in some areas is not up to the mark but with addition of some sub-stations the position is much improved.
	(b) -Does not arise.
	(c) -21^stOctober, 1976.
	(d) -Not contemplated at the moment.

Prof. A. Warjri :- Under (d), what was the last date of renewal ?

Shri S. D. D. Nichols (Minister of Electricity) :- It was renewed last year with retrospective effect.

Shri Dlosing Lyngdoh :- What are the licensed areas under Shillong Hydro Electric Co. ?

Shri S. D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister of Electricity) :- Shillong Municipal and suburb areas.

Shri P.R. Kyndiah :- What does the Government contemplate at the moment ?

Mr. Speaker :- This is too vague a question to be replied by the Minister.

Planting of trees along the Tura-Garobadha -Phulbari Road

Prof. Alexander Warjri asked :

192. Will the Minister-in-charge of Forests be pleased to state-

	(a) The number and species of trees planted along the Tura-Garo badha-Phulbari -Road ?
	(b) The purpose for the plantation ?
	(c) The number of trees still surviving ?
	(d) The reasons for non-survival of majority of them ?
	(e) The cost for plantation and protection ?

Shri Edwingson Bareh (Minister, Forests) replied :

192.	(a) -1,584 Species are Eucalyptus, Cassia, Teak, Jackfruit and Mango Trees.
	(b) -For providing shade, aesthetic beauty and protection against weather action.
	(c) -937
	(d) -Due to long drought.
	(e) -Cost of plantation is 0.50 per trees and protection costs Rs. 3.50 per cage.

Border Markets along the Indo-Bangladesh Border.

Prof. Martin Narayan Majaw asked :

193. Will the Minister-in-charge of Supply be pleased to state-

	(a) The number of border markets with their names along the Indo-Bangladesh border (District wise)?
	(b) Whether it is a fact that a few of these have now been closed down ?
	(c) If so, why ?
	(d) What suggestions, if any has the Government of Meghalaya made to the Government of India for the improvement of the border markets and of border trade in general ?

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Supply and Trade ) replied :

193.	(a) -There are no such recognized markets since suspension of border trade between Bangladesh and Meghalaya.
	(b) -Does not arise.
	(c) -Does not arise.
	(d) -The Government has been regularly taking up with the Central Government for resumption of border trade but no clearance has so far been given by Bangladesh.

Shri Francis K. Mawlot :- Sir, it is not a fact that the border markets like Maheshkola, Balat, etc., have been recognized as border markets ?

Shri Stanley D.D. Nichols Roy (Minister of Supply and Trade) :- Sir, with the course of the Indo-Bangladesh trade there is no such recognized border market which exists.

Promotion of the Industrial set up in the State

Shri Dlosing Lyngdoh asked :

194. Will the Minister-in-charge of industries be pleased to state-

	(a) Whether it is a fact that the M. I. D. C. has been established for the promotion of the industrial set up in the State ?
	(b) The members of the M. I. D. C. at present ?
	(c) The industries receiving various grants from the Government as on 31^stMarch, 1974, and the amount thereof.

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister-in-charge of Industries) replied :

194. (a) -Yes.

(b)-	(1)	Shri N. K. Rustomji, I. C. S. Chairman.
	(2)	Shri. Ramesh Chandra, I. A. S., Director.
	(3)	Shri. S. Lyngdoh, Director.
	(4)	Shri. S. P. Swer, M. L. A., Director.
	(5)	Shri. M. R. Swer, M. L. A., Director.
	(6)	Shri. S. K. Shilla, M. P., Director.
	(7)	Shri. K. P. Barauh,. Director.
	(8)	Shri. G. S. Srivastava., Director.
	(9)	Shri. S. L. Khosla,. I. A. S. Managing Director.

	(c)	(i) Rs. 10,000 was sanctioned is favor of Konjro Engineering Works, Shillong, under Grant-in-aid Rules.
		(ii) The following units were given subsidy under Central Outright grant or Subsidy Scheme of the Central Government :-

		Rs.
1.	M/s Swer Automobile Engineering Works, Shillong	15,257.00
2.	M/s Eastern Enterprise, Shillong	3,425.00
3.	M/s Khasi Madern Cabinet Workshop, Shillong	5,464.00
4.	M/s Denning Stephens and Sons, Shillong,.	2,014.00
5	M/s. Jaintia Saw Mills, Jowai	8,435.00
6.	M/s Mohin Niang Welding Works, Jowai	705.00
7.	M/s Sufficiency Tyre Works, Shillong	284.00
8.	M/s Meghalaya Steel Iron and Allied Industries, Shillong.	6,301.00
9.	M/s Nongrum Engineering Works, Shillong-	11,813.00
10.	M/s. Jharna Printers, Shillong	4,866.00
11.	M/s. Concrete Hollow Block Factory, Shillong	3,483.00
12.	M/s. Mawlong Hollow Block, Shillong.	2,697.00
13.	M/s. Modern Motor Works, Tura.	1,457.00
14.	M/s. Lakshmi Bhandar Biscuit Factory, Bhaitbari,	1,652.00
15.	M/s. Hindusthan Engineering Works, Shillong.	8,862.00
16.	M/s. Rilang Printers, Shillong	5,323.00
17	M/s. Kynsai Automobile Spray, Printing and Repairing Works, Shillong.	2,084.00
18.	M/s. Mamihthied Soap Factory Mawmihthied.	1,755.00
19	M/s. Srolington Nangbri Bakery, Sohryngkham	2,368.00
20.	M/s. Siar Sohtun, Shillong.	4,659.00
21.	M/s. Roshon Saw Mills, Shillong	3,832.00
22.	M/s. K.R. Tangsong Tyre Aulcanising and Tube. Repairing, Jowai.	227.00
23.	M/s. Meghalaya Industries, 7^th Mile, Upper Shillong.	3,540,00
24.	M/s. Nongkhlaw Motor and Engineering Works	10,102.00
25.	M/s. Royal Furniture, Shillong	5,192.00.

Shri Dlosing Lyngdoh :- What is the tenure of office or MIDC ?

Shri S.D.D. Nichols - Roy (Minister, of Industries) :- I require notice.

Shri Dlosing Lyngdoh :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, is there any T.A.D.A or sitting fee for the members of the M.I.D.C ? If so, how much ?

Shri S.D.D. Nichols - Roy (Minister, of Industries) :- Yes, Sir, they are entitled. But I require notice for the rates.

Study Tour conducted by Industries Department

Shri D. Dethwelson Lapang asked :

195. Will the Minister, in charge of Industries be pleased to state -

	(a) Whether it is a fact that the Industries Department is conducting Study Tour every year ?
	(b) If so, since when ?
	(c) The number of participants in each tour and the amount of expenditure involved (Year - Wise) ?
	(d) In what way such tour benefits the participants and the State ?

Shri S.D.D. Nichols - Roy (Minister-in -charge of Industries) replied :

195.	(a) -Yes.
	(b) -Since 1971.
	(c) -Twenty numbers were sent during 1971-72 and an amount of expenditures Rs.11,000, 20 Nos. were sent during 1972-73 and the amount of expenditure is Rs.12,000, 15 Nos. were sent during 1973-74 and the amount of expenditure is Rs.15,000.
	(d) - Participants are exposed to new ideas and the practice obtaining in industrialised States.

Advertisement of posts by Industries Department.

Shri G. Mylliemngap asked :

196. Will the Minister in charge of Industries be pleased to state -

	(a) The number of posts advertised by the Industries Department from Upper Division Assistant Cadre onwards during the year 1971-72, 1972-73 and 1973-74 ?
	(b) The number of tribals and non - tribals appointed against such advertised posts.
	(c) The number of posts re-advertised more than once, for want of qualified candidates ?

S.D.D. Nichols - Roy (Minister, of Industries) : replied :

196.	(a)-	1971-72 - 8
		1972-73 - 16
		1973-74 - 3
	(b)-	1971-72 - Nil
		1972-73 -5 (Tribals)
			Nil (Non-Tribals).
		1973-74 - 1 (Tribal).
			Nil (Non-Tribals).

Shri G. Mylliemngap :- How many posts of U.D.As and onwards are lying vacant since 1971-72 ?

Shri S.D.D. Nichols - Roy (Minister, of Industries) :- I require notice.

Ginger Dehydration Plant Nayabunglow

Shri G. Mylliemngap asked :

197. Will the Minister in charge of Industries be pleased to state -

	(a) Whether it is a fact that the Ginger Dehydrations Plant at Nayabunglow (Byrnihat) has been abolished?
	(b) If so, when ?
	(c) If the reply to (a) is in the affirmative the circumstances leading to its closure ?
	(d) Where are machineries tools, and other properties of the Project being kept ?
	(e) What action Government propose to take regarding the services of the employees of this plant ?

Shri Stanley D.D. Nichols - Roy (Minister, incharge of Industries) replied :

197.	(a) -Yes.
	(b) -28^thFebruary 1974.
	(c) -Not economically viable. Besides the quality of ginger available in the region was not found to be suitable for dehydration.
	(d) -As the premises of the plant at Nayabungalow in Electric Over has been loaned to Sericulture and Weaving Department, Government of Meghalaya.
	(e) -The Manager died on 22^ndSeptember, 1973. The machine operator was absorbed in the office of the Assistant Director, Cottage Industries, Shillong.

The Store Keeper was absorbed in the Scheme Lime Making Plant, Sutnga in Jaintia Hills.

The 4^th grade was absorbed in the Office of the Assistant Director, Cottage Industries, Shillong.

Shri H.S. Lyngdoh :- When was the Dehydration Plant established ?

Shri S.D.D. Nichols - Roy (Minister, Industries) :- It was during the time of Assam Government. For the exact date I require notice.

Prof M.N. Majaw :- To what purpose is the building belong put up ?

Shri S.D.D. Nichols - Roy (Minister, Industries) :- I require notice.

Income -Tax from Contractors and Sub - Contractors

Prof. Martin Narayan Majaw asked :

198. Will the Minister in charge of Finance be pleased to state -

	(a) Whether it is a fact that a circular was issued on 24^th July 1972 asking Heads of Departments and other Executive officers to see that income tax is deducted at source from contractors and sub - contractors ?
	(b) If so, the full text of this circular ?
	(c) Whether it is a fact that another circular was issued on the 24^thOctober, 1972 clarifying that the instructions referred to in (a) above do not apply to tribal contractors and sub - contractors and sub-contractors who are exempted from payment of income tax ?
	(d) If so, the full text of this Circular ?
	(e) Whether any other Circular was issued which modifies, amends or cancels the Circular referred to in (c) above ?
	(f) If so, the full text of this Circular ?
	(g) Is Government aware of the fact that Income Tax is still being deducted at source from all Public Works Department contractors and Sub-contractors ?
	(h) If so, what steps does Government propose to do in the matter to protect tribal contractors and Sub-contractors ?

Shri Brington Buhai Lyngdoh (Minister - in -charge of Finance) : replied :

198.	(a) -A circular under Memo No. ERT (T) 80/72/33, dated 24^thJuly 1972 enclosing a copy of Government of India's letter F. No 275/9/72 - ITJ, dated 29^thMay 1972, containing instructions regarding deduction of income tax at source from payments to contractors / Sub-contractor was issued to all Administrative Departments, Head of Departments for guidance and to bring the instructions to the notice of all disbursing officers and State undertaking under their control.


	(b) -A copy of the Circular is placed on the Library Table.
	(c) -Yes.
	(d) -A copy of the Circular No ERT (T) 80/72/58, dated 24^thOctober, 1972 is placed on the Library Table.
	(e) -Circular under Memo No. ERT (T) 41/73/69, dated 13^th February 1974 laying down the procedure in regard to production of Income - Tax Clearance Certificate by tribal contractors was issued to all Administrative Departments and Heads of Department.
	(f) - A copy of the Circular is placed on the Library Table.
	(g) - No.
	(h) - Steps as indicated against (e) above have already been taken to protect the interests of tribal. contractors / sub - contractors with a view to facilitating implementation, suitable instructions have also been issued to all concerned by the Public Works Department.

Shri M.N. Majaw :- Would the Government consider issuing order not to collect income - tax from the contractors belonging to the scheduled tribes ?

Shri B.B. Lyngdoh (Minister, Finance) :- Sir, this matter cannot be settled by this Government alone it has to obtain concurrence from Government of India.

Prof M.N. Majaw :- Will the Government return the Income tax so collected afterwards ?

Mr. Speaker :- This is argumentative. I know the Minister concerned had already replied that they would go in to the matter thoroughly.

Accommodation for Officer and Courts of the District and Sessions Judge at Shillong.

Prof. Alexander Warjri asked :

199. Will the Minister-in-charge of Law be pleased to state -

	(a) Whether it is a fact that the Office and courts of the District and session Judge at Shillong are housed in three small rooms in D.C's Office ?
	(b) Whether it is fact three or four office Assistant of the District and Sessions Judge are crowded in one table?
	(c) Whether Government purposes to house the court and the office of the District and Sessions Judge in a separate building, with courts, consulting rooms for lawyers and G.Ps - Office, etc .?
	(d) If so, when ?

Shri Brington Buhai Lyngdoh (Minister-in-charge of Law) replied :

	(a) -The court of the District and Session Judge is located in the District Court building. The offices of the District and Sessions Judge, Assistant District Sessions Judge and Munsiff are located in two small rooms of the said building.
	(b) -Yes.
	(c) & (d)-The question of giving adequate and suitable accommodation to the courts of Shillong are under active consideration of the Government.

Prof. A. Warjri :- Sir, I do not understand what does it mean by Courts of Shillong ?

Shri B. B. Lyngdoh (Minister, Law ) :- The Courts of Shillong means the Courts which have got the jurisdiction exclusively over Shillong .

Prof. A. Warjri :- What is the jurisdiction of the District and Sessions Judges here ?

Shri B. B. Lyngdoh (Minister, Law ) :- At present their jurisdiction is only over Shillong.

CALLING ATTENTION

Mr. Speaker :- Before we take up the next item I would like to inform the House that this time out of 25 Starred Questions received and sent the Government has given answer to 19. So, the performance is higher than that of previous Session ; the percentage being 76. So far as Unstarred Questions are concerned, we have received and sent 280 Questions and Government has given reply to 199 Questions. Performance here is still better ; it is 71.07 percent.

Shri K. M. Roy Marbaniang :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, what about other questions which have not come out in the Assembly ?

Mr. Speaker :- Notices of all unanswered questions, according to Rule lapse you have to give fresh notice, if you want.

Shri D. N. Joshi :- In view of the percentage of mark granted by Government in respect of Questions, may I expect that the Government will come out with 100 percent next time ?

Mr. Speaker :- It may be possible of course, for the Government to answer 100 percent only if the hon. Members ask questions which are to the point. In such case Government can reply without any hesitation.

Shri Humphrey Hadem :- May I suggest to the Government through you, Sir, that such big volumes of questions will not be rushed like this on the last day of the session.

Mr. Speaker :- I have been requesting from the very first day that the Government should come up with replies to at least 15 or 20 questions every day, and that is partly the reason why the Government had been sending replies to questions expeditiously. Today, being the last day we have to rush with the answers. It is better that the answer come in any number than not at all. Let us pass on to item No.2. Shri D. D. Lapang and Shri W. Syiemiong to call the attention of the Minister-in-charge of Power under Rule 54 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Meghalaya Assembly to a newly item published in the Assam Tribune on June 1^st, 1974 under the caption "ASSAM STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD SERVES NOTICE TO SHEL ON ARREAR OF OUTSTANDING DUES.".

*Shri D. D. Lapang :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to call the attention of the Minister-in-charge of Power under Rule 54 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Assembly to a news item published in the Assam Tribune on the 1^st June, 1974 under the caption "Assam State Electricity Board serves notice to shel on arrear of outstanding dues".

Mr. Speaker :- Now you can make a short statement.

Shri D. D. Lapang :- In the news item it is clearly stated that if the Shillong Hydro Electricity Ltd. will not clear all the outstanding dues before the 20^thJuly, 1974, the Assam State Electricity Board will discontinue the supply power to the Shillong Hydro Electric Co. Ltd. The outstanding arrears is of the tune of Rs.7 lakhs, and it was also mentioned in that news item that after serving several reminders by the Assam State Electricity Board, the Shillong Hydro Electric Co. Ltd. did not pay any attention or take any action. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, Sir, it may be recalled that the public of Shillong had been suffering a lot of shortage of power.

Mr. Speaker :- That has been already stated in the new item.

Shri D. D. Lapang :- Before the Assam State Electricity Board came to the rescue, we were facing shortage of power in Shillong and now the number of power consumers of Shillong has become much higher than before the Assam State Electricity Board came to the rescue. Now, Sir, if the Assam State Electricity Board will discontinue its supply of power to the Shillong areas, the outcome of that would be better imagined than described. There would be power interruption every would then that would cause convenience to the people of Shillong. Now, I want that the Minister-in-charge of Power to enlighten on this.

Shri S. D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Power) :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Assam State Electricity Board supplies power to the Shillong Hydro Electric Company Ltd. at four points viz. Nongthymmai, Bidon Falls, Mawlai and B. S. F. sub-station. The arrear as per latest bill submitted to the Company amounts to Rs.17,37,202.88. As per regular procedure a disconnection notice was served by the Board on the Company the Shillong Hydro Electric Company Ltd. have asked for some time in order to reconcile the demands and have also stated that they are finding it uneconomic to work at the current rates. No proposal has been received from the Company for revision of taraiff. The Government a as also taken up the arrear question with the Company and has asked for copies of their latest balance sheets to examine their working. The matter of disconnection of power supply to Shillong Hydro Electric Company Ltd. is kept in abeyance by the Board for the present. The Government is fully alive to this situation and will take all possible steps in the interest of public.

Shri D. D. Lapang :- But according to the news item it is stated that the Assam State Electricity Board had served notice that they will disconnect all supply if the Shillong Hydro Electricity Company would not clear all arrears before 20^th of this month.

Shri S. D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Power) :- No, Sir, the matter has been kept in abeyance by the Board.

Presentation of Committee Reports.

Mr. Speaker :- Now, Item No. 3.

Shri Singjan Sangma (Chairman, Privileges Committee) :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to present the Seventh Report of the Committee of Privileges matter relating to complaint of breach of privilege by Shri Humphrey Hadem, M. L. A. against the Editor, Printer and Publisher of "The Implanter" for publishing a new item under the caption "In Jaintia Hills Politicians prepare for election".

Mr. Speaker :- Item No. 4.

Shri Maham Singh (Chairman House Committee ) :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to present the second Report of the House Committee.

Presentation of the Seventh Report of the Committee of Privileges.

Mr. Speaker :- Item No. 5.

Shri Singjan Sangma (Chairman, Privileges Committee) :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that the Assembly agrees to the extension of time for submission of report of the Committee of Privileges till 31^stDecember, 1974 on the privilege matter moved by Prof. Majaw, M. L. A. against the Editor, Printer and Publisher of a local English weekly " The Implanter:" for publishing a new item under the caption "Will MISA be invoked in Meghalaya ".

Mr. Speaker. :- Motion moved. The question is that this House agrees to the extension of time for submission of Report by the Privileges Committee till 31^stDecember, 1974.

(The motion was carried)

Mr. Speaker :- Item No. 6.

Shri Singjan Sangma (Chairman, Privileges Committee) :- Mr. Speaker, I beg to move that the Assembly agrees to the extension of time for submission of the Report of the Committee of Privileges till the 31^stDecember, 1974 relating to a complaint of breach of privilege and contempt of the House moved on 8^thDecember, 1973 by Shri H. Hadem M.L.A. against Shri Upstar Kharbuli, M.L.A. and Shri E.K. Mawlong, M.D.C.

Mr. Speaker :- Motion moved. The question is that leave be granted for extension of time for submission of the Report by the Privileges Committee till 31^stDecember, 1974.

(The motion was carried)

Motions

Mr. Speaker :- Item No. 7.

Shri Singjan Sangma (Chairman, Privileges Committee) :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that the Assembly agrees to the extension of time for submission of the Report of the Committee of Privileges till the 31^stDecember, 1974 relating to a question of breach of privilege moved on the 8^th December, 1973 by Shri H. Hynniewta against Prof. G. G. Swell, M. P. and Deputy Speaker.

Mr. Speaker :- Motion moved. The question is that this House agrees to the extension of time for submission of the report by the Committee of Privileges till the 31^stDecember, 1974.

(The motion was carried).

Mr. Speaker :- Let us now pass on to item No. 8 Shri D. N. Joshi to continue his discussion on the motion moved by Shri Hopingstone Lyngdoh.

Shri D.N. Joshi :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, the matter of employment on which yesterday I touched upon regarding the absorption of tribal employees who are serving the Government of Assam. They were forced to go down to the plains of Assam to serve the State of Assam even after the achievement of a full-fledged State of Meghalaya. Sir, those employees who are now at Dispur under the Government of Assam did not like to go down to Gauhati out of their own sweet will. But they had to go down due to the circumstances that were created by the creation of this State of ours.

They thought that this State of their own, would give them shelter by absorbing them here and most of them had contributed their might to make the State a beautiful and prosperous one. Since they are Government servants, they could not take part in any polities openly but they gave their moral support for achieving of a full-fledged State of their own. They had their cherish goal fulfilled in the creation of a separate full-fledged State. But Sir, after this separate full-fledged State of our own was created these poor employees and to leave it because they were forced by the Government under which they are uptil now serving, to go down Gauhati. They therefore, had to leave their State of their own origin, a place of their birth, they had to leave even their members of their families here in Shillong for no fault of their own. These people who all along were enjoying the pleasant cold climate of Shillong during the composite State of Assam, now to have to suffer a lot there in the plains of Assam due to heat of the plains.

Not only that Sir. I am told that now they are subjected to various types of mental torture by the plains people of the Government of Assam. Even the subordinate officers in office use to harass them, to torture them mentally and sometimes make a laughing stock out of them because none of them knows the official language of the State where they are serving. Some of the staff I am told, are even insulted of course jokingly, on unfounded grounds that these educated and literate persons are responsible for the creation of a separate State out of the composite State of Assam. They were blamed that it was under their instigation that Assam was divided. So they are every now and then insulted and harassed in many ways so that they may feel inclined to go back to the place of their birth. But Sir, they are still compelled to be there and suffer because they are earning their bread and they have no other alternative but to serve in the plains of Assam. Our State Government has given them assurances before that as soon as avenues of employment are created in the State, these people would be absorbed here in our own State. But, Sir, up till now nothing tangible has been done by our Government to do so.

Therefore, I request Government through you, Sir, that avenues of employment should be created now in order to bring back our own brothers and sisters who are now languishing in the hot climate of the plains, who are not at all happy and satisfied with the present Government which they serve.

Moreover, Sir, these poor people are suffering a lot because of the spiraling rise of prices of essential commodities and besides that they have got two separate establishments to look after. They have to look after themselves there at Dispur as well as their family members here in Shillong, a job which makes them to suffer. Their children and their members of families have to live from hand to mouth depending upon them at Dispur. Naturally their cost of living will increase their emolument remains the same. In the plains they have to spend more for keeping their mind and body cool by resorting to taking cold drinks which entail more expenditure on them. Since they have got their wives and children here in Shillong and because Gauhati is not very far from Shillong, they are tempted to come to Shillong at any time and as soon they have to spend a lot of money on coming and going. Sometimes they have to return on the same day, but due to non-availability of seats in the Transport, they fail to get tickets and have to stay back here. Thereby their casual leave or other leaves at their disposal are exhausted and sometimes due to this, they are called for explanation in their office at Dispur. But they have to avail leave because they could not return on the same day due to non-availability of tickets in the transport office. So these are their practical day to day difficulties and therefore, once again I would request this Government of ours to take necessary action to create more avenues to absorb them here.

Sir, just now during the question hour, Government came up with a reply on the question of advertising the posts in the Industries Department put forward by Mr. Groswell Mylliemngap. The Government have come up with a reply that in Public Works Department in 1973-74 six posts have been created and six persons have been recruited. But all of them belong to scheduled tribe communities. Well, Sir, Government have made a policy of recruiting 15 percent from non-tribals and 5 per cent from scheduled caste who also belong to non-tribal. But Sir, here I find that no non-tribal has been recruited out of these six persons. At least one post should have been given to one non-tribal. Therefore, an apprehension is there in the minds of the reduced minority people who are very much the citizens of the State because in the matter of recruitment their aspirations are not yet fulfilled. It seems the Government is very discriminating in this matter. So in order to dispel this feeling between the minority people and the Government I would request Government through you, Sir, to create a Minority Cell under this Government placed under its Ministry so that these irregularities could be avoided and I believe the aspirations of the minority community here in the State are fulfilled and looked into with the due consideration by the State Government.

Thank you.s

Mr. Deputy Speaker :- Any other Member who would like to participate ? As there is no hon. Member who would like to participate I call upon the Chief Minister to reply.

*Shri W. A. Sangma (Chief Minister) :- Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, as you may very well recall, this particular subject has come up for discussion on number of occasions in the past. Government also have had occasions reply to the points raised during the course of discussion. Today the motion deals with the policy which has been adopted by the Government in the matter of recruitment. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, in the past, through the discussions, Government have to inform the House with regard to its policy. I would, in the first instance, deal with the point raised by the hon. Member with regard to the absorption of the Meghalaya employees specially, tribals, serving under the Assam Government. In pursuance of the relevant Section of the Assam -Meghalaya . Re-organisation Act, the Government has adopted a policy decision that the personnel serving in the Government of Assam should be absorbed in this new State of ours. While doing so, we have also to think about the employment opportunities in respect of the educated unemployed. In this connection, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I would refute the arguments that have been put forward by various hon. Members who said that these Government servants who are still serving under the Government of Assam also contributed secretly for bringing the Statehood of Meghalaya. As such they argued that these people should have been absorbed in Meghalaya. In this connection, I would like the hon. Members to pause a little. It may be true that these people have indirectly contributed towards achieving the State-hood, but it should remembered by all of us that State hood has come not as a result of the support of a certain action of people, but it has come into being with the support of the masses. We have thousands and thousands of volunteers, both educated and uneducated. Is it not the responsibility of the Government to think about all these people ? I am sure the hon. Members, if they really consider these problems seriously, coolly and with a comprehensive approach will agree with me that in this particular question Government should strike a balance, in the sense that we should try to accommodate those Meghalayans, particularly the tribals who are still serving under the Government of Assam. But at the same time, you cannot leave out the hundreds of educated unemployed who have also contributed a lot towards achievement of the full State. It will now be a fair that a certain balanced policy is adopted by the Government. It is in that context, that Government has laid down a policy. While we are convinced that both sections of the people, I mean those un employees, who are under the Government of Assam and the educated employed, we are also to consider about the need for experienced persons. I think, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the hon. Member will agree with me that in setting up of a new administration, unless we are in a position to get the services of experienced people and if we are to depend entirely on the new recruits the administration will suffer. Taking these factors into consideration we have laid down a policy that as far as filling up of the posts of Lower Division Assistants in the Secretariat is concerned, we have decided to bring 60 per cent at the moment from the Assam Secretariat and 40 percent of the posts to be filled up by direct recruitments for the post of Lower Division Assistants in the Heads of Departments, 30 percent of the posts will be filled up by new recruits and 70 percent to be brought from Assam Government. Stenographers Grade II and III-50 percent by direct recruitment and 50 percent by absorption Typists, 20 percent by direct recruitments and 80 percent by absorption. This is the policy adopted by the Government in the matter of recruitment as far as the Government services are concerned. It has been alleged that in the matter of absorption, the case of non-tribals has not been giving due consideration. In this connection, may I request the hon. Members to appreciate one very vital factors, and also to recollect the immediate reasons under which the hills people were being separated from Assam. That was the language policy. There, they function according to the State language adopted by the Government of Assam. I am sure my colleagues the non-tribals know that the Khasis, the Garos and the Jaintias, do not know Assamese language. They do not know how to read and write Assamese.

Therefore, that aspect of the matter has to be considered. This is not because we do not want that the cases of other should not be considered. Here also we have to strike a balance. We have to examine to what extent a particular person or the people belonging to a particular community will be more handicapped and will be less handicapped. I think the hon. Member from Cantonment has realized this and as such, I think he will appreciate the stand taken by the Government. But I must make it clear that it is not a fact that we have been neglecting the cases of non-tribals. In fact, in some cases, in respect of some posts, we have no other alternative but to bring them in because of their specialized training in a particular fields, even if we know that our tribals would be left out. Therefore, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I would request the hon. Members to realize this very important factor while trying to absorb the personnel serving under the Government of Assam. Subject to correction, uptil now in the Secretariat , we have been able to entertain by means of absorption 313, persons in the Directorates 336 persons belonging to different categories. By direct recruitment in the Secretariat as many as 143 posts have been filled up as against 330, in the Directorate 242 persons belonging to different categories of posts have been filled up as against 336. The total number of persons absorbed is 649; the total number of posts filled up by direct recruitment is 385. From this figure it will be appreciated that we have tried our best in consonance with our policy in trying to entertain educated unemployed people also. The remark made by the hon. Members who have come forward to criticize the Government for is appointment policy is uncalled for. What is the alternative policy which would have been adopted by them ? Unfortunately, I have not been given that chance, instead I find that there is a contradiction. Though I was not inside the House while the subject was discussed , but from the notes I got from my colleagues, I find there is absolute contradiction between the views expressed by Prof. Majaw and Mr. Mawlot. Mr. Mawlot's opinion is that in the matter of appointment preference should be given to those who are unemployed while Prof. Majaw says that we must absorb all people serving under the Government of Assam. When they are already in service, I am yet to know what would be this policy in this particular matter. Now it appears that there is a tug of war among the hon. Members belonging to the same group. One hon. Member belonging to the group advocate that all the people who are still serving under the Government of Assam should be absorbed, while the other members say "no". Since they are in service, preference should be given in the matter of appointment to those who are unemployed. From the other group, there is a very important suggestion. According to the hon. Member from Shillong Cantonment we have got to look after the interests of the minorities. He said that there should be a Minister or Cell which will deal with the interests of the minorities. I am not going to agree to this proposal because that will mean that for want of a Cell, the Government has to neglect the interests of this section of the people. I can assure whether there is a special Cell or not, their interest will be adequately safeguarded. I am to inform the hon. Members through you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, that if you take a complete picture of the composition of the services under the Government of Meghalaya you will find that in the highly technical posts and in the administrative services, the number of non-tribals is more. I do not grudge it because I must get the right men to serve in the right department. When I do not have anybody from among the tribals, I have no other alternative but to get the services of such persons. Due to shortage of time, it will not be possible for me to give a concrete picture about it. But I can cite examples. In the medical line there are a few tribal doctors most of them are non-tribals. In the engineering section and technical sections, we do not have people to man them. Now it is not correct to say that for want of candidates from among the tribals, the Government keep the appointments in abeyance.

I do not agree to that because if we do so, all developmental programme will suffer. We need quite a large number of engineers, but we do not have qualified engineers in adequate number among the tribals -though the reservation is there- to execute the programmes under the Fifth Five Year Plan. Therefore, I must get the technical personnel immediately. So we have to go ahead with the recruitment-keeping in view the time when we shall be able to have our own required personnel in the nearest future. It is not possible to get such personnel from among ourselves. I have no alternative but to appoint them. Some people have suggested that the appointment should be made on contract basis for three years. We have to examine that. Suppose you make the appointment on contract basis for 3 years, and the questions aims whether after 3 years we get sufficient number of such people or not. This is a very important factor to be taken into account. Therefore, I would appeal to all the hon. Members to realise that we have not brought this statute only to give appointments to non-tribals but we have brought the statute with a view to serving the people and bringing about all round development of the State. As such we must have the necessary man-power. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, for this purpose, also we have already get up a Cell, a Man Power Cell. Now this particular Cell is attached to the Planning Department and is trying to examine the man power requirement of the State. Unless we make a correct assessment of the man power requirement of the State and give the necessary training to serve the State in different fields , we shall be handicapped. It is in that context that we have set up a Cell to deal with man power requirement and it is under the aegis of the North Eastern Council. Also the man power requirement covers for Meghalaya and the North Eastern States. So here also it will be appreciated that we are very much concerned in getting the requisite man power for execution of development activities of the State. Now a complaint has been made with regard to the employment by the private firms and establishments. It was complained by the member from Cantonment that in the Employment Exchanges names were not registered. Names of persons were not registered unless they produce a Residential Certificate. That is obligatory under the Act. It was also complained that no instructions have been given to the private firms and establishments for the employment of local people. Well, though we have not taken up this question separately, instructions issued by the composite State of Assam still hold valid. According to that, if a particular establishment or a particular firm is to entertain persons for employment, if it exceeds 25 persons, they must advertise through the Employment Exchange. That instruction still holds valid and is being alone. In the case of Central Government Officers except those posts which are to be filled up by Union Public Service Commission by advertisements all other vacancies are to be channelised through the Employment Exchange Offices. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, it has been alleged that there was no advertisement for filling up the posts of constables and as such the response is bad and our people are not getting the opportunity to serve in the force. In this connection, I will inform the Members that attempts were made to get the candidates through advertisements, but response was very poor. So what the Government has decided is this. As in the case of recruitment to the Army and the Territorial Army and such other forces, a recruiting team goes to the interior places and tries to find out suitable candidates with advances information and publication. We also decided to do the same. We decided to have a recruiting team and this team will visit to different importance places throughout the State. They will visit all the three different district and the recruitment of personnel will be met This will be announced during the bazaar days through mikes and other media so that people can come in adequate number for appearing before the recruiting team. I hope that will be a good and proper arrangement than mere advertisement for recruitment of the personnel to the police force. It was also suggested by Mr. Mawlot, that in the Central Government offices reservation should be made for the tribals, the hill tribals and for that purpose Government should take the initiative. In this connection, I may inform the hon. Members Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, that we have taken up the matter with the Central Government Offices located in Shillong to kindly give preference to the local people especially to those employees who are still serving in the Government of Assam as it is not possible, inspite of the best efforts of the Government to absorb all the persons who are now serving in Assam. We are requesting them and in fact we have some correspondence with the Government of India, in the Ministry of Home Affairs, to give instruction to various Central Governmental Offices located in Shillong to give preference to the persons who are still serving in the Government of Assam, and also to give preference to the local people. At our own level also we have been trying up this matter with the authorities of the Central Government Offices located in Shillong. As you may be aware Deputy Speaker, Sir, the pay scale and the terms and condition of service of the Assam Rifles under the Government of Assam are the same to those of our State. As such we have been trying to pursue with the authorities of the Assam Rifles whether these people who are serving under the Assam Rifles which is located in Happy Valley, would like to go down to Dispur and serve under the Government of Assam in exchange for an equal number of tribal employees to fill up these vacant posts to be brought from Dispur. Up to now, about 47 persons of the Assam Rifles have expressed their willingness and the matter is under correspondence with the Government of Assam and we have also taken up the matter with the Defense Accounts which have got an executive branch functioning here in Shillong. The original idea was to have the Defense Accounts offices located here by bifurcating the offices now located at Patna. But for various persons, the proposal, the proposal could not be implemented but even then we have been taking up this matter with the Ministry of Defence. I myself personally took up this matter with the Secretary of Defence, Shri Govinda Narayan who was previously the Home Secretary, and recently I have been informed that through the original programme may not be possible for implementation they are going to increase the functions of the Defense Accounts here in Shillong. When this scheme is implemented, then it may be possible to entertain the local people, say 20 to 30 in number. Therefore, it will be appreciated by the hon. Members that we have not been sleeping over this matter but we have been trying to explore all the possibilities. There is a complaint that in the matter of recruitments, though certain percentage has been fixed in favour of Khasi and Jaintias and Garos, it not implemented properly or sincerely. I must admit, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, that as such as reservation quota for the Garos is concerned, for want of adequate number of qualified candidates, the reserved posts could not be filled up. As you know before the Public Service Commission was created for making recommendation of candidates for filling up the posts, we have the Selection Board at the State level. Through the Selection Board, the posts carrying pay into Rs.500/- were filled up. At that time also percentage of post, reserved for the Garos also could not be filled up as there was lack of adequate number of qualified persons or some of them were found unfit for the job. We know there has been a resentment from the Garos without knowing the reasons. So we thought it may be good to have some sort of a special Committee consisting of the officials of the Personnel Department and some other persons to go down to Tura and conduct the examination and interview so that the reserved quota of posts can be filled up accordingly. This Committee went down to Tura and conducted special examination and interview, and through it, as many as 56 candidates were found eligible for the posts of Lower Division Assistant. However, there were some difficulties in the recommendation made by the special Committee because in the meantime the Public Service Commission came into being. Therefore, as a matter of court the recommendation of this Special Committee did not hold good. However, I am glad to inform the House that we have taken up the matter with the Chairman of the Meghalaya Public Service Commission. Since the same type of examination has been conducted by the Commission, we made a suggestion whether the Public Service Commission could accept the recommendations of the Special Committee for filling up the posts. I am glad to inform the House that they have agreed to that. So that the vacancies which are yet to be filled up by Garos will be filled up soon. I do not know under what stand the hon. Member from Mawhati has suggested that since the 40 reservation of posts for the Garos could not be filled up by the Garos candidates, he has suggested to reduce it to 30 percent. I am sorry I cannot accept that because that has been made to fill up the posts and this has been done not to give special benefits to other communities. The hon. Members will agree with me that in the present composition of staff or present set up of the administration we will find three types of communities the Khasis, Garos and Jaintias. As the Garos are found not adequately qualified, it is only in that context that the Government thought it necessary to give them chances by reserving 40 percent for the Garos and 40 percent for the Khasis and Jaintias. Attempt is being made to fill up the posts by them subject to availability of candidates.

We have also decided that in a particular examination held by the Commission, if it adequate number of candidates does not come forward, we are not going to filled up the posts in the first instance by others but we are going to instruct the Commission that in such a case, the post should be re-advertised in order to give a better chance better there is a complaint that sometimes the advertisements did not reach other places in time. This aspect of the matter is being taken care of. We are trying to see that advertisement reaches the different places well ahead of time. Well, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, as this matter has come up for discussion on a number of times, I think the Garo members will remember that I have made the same reply in the past. I have placed before the House the policy of recruitment of the Government as far as the posts under the Government are concerned. Apart from that, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I take up a number of other schemes like Half-A-Million Jobs Programme, Crash Programme, rural development programme etc., to give employment to the rural population. We have also instructed the public undertakings to adhere to the policy of the Government in the matter of recruitment keeping in view the percentages of reservation of posts of the different communities in the State. Now as far as filling up of the posts in the district offices is concerned, we have got a District Selection Board. Now because of the composition of the population district-wise, we have to change the ratio of percentage of reservation. So we have revised the reservation from 40 percent to 80 percent the Garo Hills District or Khasi Hills District or Jaintia Hills District that is for the posts to be filled up under the District offices by the District Selection Board. Therefore, it will be natural that in the Khasi Hills District majority of the Khasi will be recommended in the Garo Hills District most of the Garo will be recommended, so also in the Jaintia Hills the majority of Jaintias will be recommended. Now this broad policy laid down by the Government has been discussed. I would therefore, not take much time but I can assure, the Garo Members through you, Sir, who are very much concerned about this employment problem in the State that Government is well aware of this. We are committed also that even at the time of employment, we have to look to the interest of the different communities living with in the State. After all we are Meghalayans, and in this, I think we shall be able to get proper appreciation of the problem from the different communities and after having that, we shall also get their co-operation. The reservation should be understood in the context of giving some preference to the weaker sections of the population, and not only in this State that we are facing this. I am sure that this policy of recruitment by the Government will be appreciated by all hon. Members and the people in the State as a whole. With these words, Sir, I resume my seat.

*Shri F. K. Mawlot :- Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, in course of his reply, the Chief Minister, passed a remark that the hon. Member from Mawhati and myself were contradicting each other on the question of absorption of the employees who are still serving under the Government of Assam. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I have not mentioned anything about the non-absorption of the employees now serving under the Government of Assam. In fact, I also fall in line with the hon. Member from Mawhati that these employees who are serving under the Government of Assam should have been absorbed long ago right from the beginning. But what I was referring to was the appointments, made in the State. Whenever any vacancy occurs, applications were not called but it was filled up by a person who is already in service inside the State itself. This is the point which I was referring to. But regarding the absorption I fall in line with the hon. Member who has stated that this should have been taken up long ago, and those people should have been absorbed.

*Shri W. A. Sangma (Chief Minister) :- Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I speak, subject to correction. I have had the occasion to reply to this question of absorption and the question of filling up of posts by direct recruitment.

Prof. M. N. Majaw :- Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, may I also on a point of clarification, point out that had the Leader of House been paying close attention to our speeches yesterday, he may, have been better informed than what he got from his colleagues because I asked not only for the reduction of 40 percent for Garos, but my intension was to give to the 3 Districts representation that means Jaintia Hills District also because it is not included in the percentage. That was my proposal. The reservation is given only to the Khasi and Garos and the Government, it seems, has no interest for the Jaintias. Other important points which should have been replied to is (i) on seniority. I give specific cases of juniors superceding their seniors. That was not replied. Whether Government is going to continue this practice of haphazard, appointment and No.2. is (ii) on confirmation. Nobody has been confirmed. To my knowledge these people have been serving for many years and they are not being confirmed. And No.3. is on efficiency of the persons appointed it has been noticed that it even in matters of ordinary routine nature like the drinking water for Shillong there is a colossal mistake.

*Shri W. A. Sangma (Chief Minister) :- Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, these are details. The motion is to discuss the policy adopted by the Government in the matter of recruitment. Now I cannot go into details of the number of people who were appointed in the Transport Organisation or other Departments. Only the policy of the Government in respect of appointment should be discussed through this motion.

*Prof. M. N. Majaw :- Objections should have been made during the debate Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. But since the Chief Minister feels that this is boring the House by repeating the replies again and again, I would like that the question on seniority may be replied.

*Shri W. A. Sangma (Chief Minister) :- Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, regarding the protection of the service of those who were brought from Assam, this policy is laid down in the Act. We may not bring them to Meghalaya to their disadvantage. We cannot do that. There is a provision in the Act. We are governed by that provision in the Act, until complete bifurcation is effected. Of course this is under process. These grievances on interse seniority will be considered at that time, under Section 64 (i) of the North-Eastern Areas Re-Organisation Act and as such there should be no reasons for doubt. At that time, after bifurcation, I would request the hon. Member that if there is any case or cases, these should be brought to the notice of the Government and they shall be looked into.

Shri M. N. Majaw :- Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, it is not between the Government of Assam and Meghalaya, but the point raised yesterday was that say, a junior person A or B is superseding his seniors.

Shri W. A. Sangma (Chief Minister) :- How can the hon. Member expect me to reply to that unless specific cases are brought here.

Shri E. Bareh (Minister for Agriculture) :- Moreover, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, these people have come on deputation even if we have to deal with their promotion, we have got to get in touch with this Assam Government. Therefore, to put the whole blame only on this Government is very unwise.

Shri F. K. Mawlot :- If we are to take the words of the Minister correctly, that if the officers are still on deputation, it is the duty of the Government of Assam to give them promotion. But this is done by the Government of Meghalaya. This is very irregular.

*Shri W. A. Sangma (Chief Minister) :- May I clarify the position, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. This is not the case of promotion in the real sense. But the fact is this. We are not in a position to get a senior man from Assam to be brought on deputation. So in that case, we are giving adhoc promotions from among the senior most persons under our set-up.

Shri P. R. Kyndiah :- Adhoc, I presume temporary ?

Shri W. A. Sangma (Chief Minister) :- Yes, temporary. That means when ultimately the right person comes, those persons who are promoted an adhoc basis cannot claim their seniority.

Shri H. Lyngdoh :- Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, yesterday instances regarding promotion in the Education Department were brought to the notice of the Government. This is regarding those S. I. of Schools, A. S. I. And D.I. of Schools. Whether they are on adhoc basis or not ? (At this stage the Deputy Speaker, left the Chamber and Shri H. Hadem, M. L. A. took the Chair.)

Mr. Chairman. :- I think the discussion has become otherwise thorny on this motion. The motion was discussed and the Government has fully given the necessary replies. So, I think I should close this discussion at this stage as far as this motion No.7. is concerned. Now let us come to No.8 and I request the Prof. Majaw to move the motion.

Prof. M. N. Majaw :- Mr. Chairman, Sir, I move that this House do now consider the steps to encourage the growth of Cottage Industries in the State.

Mr. Chairman :- Motion moved. Now call upon the hon. Member to initiate the discussion.

Prof. M.N. Majaw :-Mr. Chairman, Sir, this is not a very long item, like employment. But this is very important. We know that there are hundreds and thousands of villages in far-flung corners of the State where small cottage industries thrive. They are not industries, but they merely provide enough subsistence for a family from their weaving baskets or cloths or making cane and bamboo goods or bee-keeping or tailoring. But what assistance or aid or encouragement do these cottage industries receive from the Government ? That is the question at issue today. When we travel down to Gauhati, we see mammoth buildings coming up near Byrnihat, big industries and many of them owned or run by persons from outside and certainly, with the blessings of this Government. So, we sometimes wonder whether the small industrialists, the small farmers and the small weavers in the remote villages of this State receive as much attention and patronage as do these rich traders who come from as much attention and patronage as do these rich traders who come from outside the State at Byrnihat and in other parts of the State and in Garo Hills also. I feel, Mr. Chairman, Sir, that more emphasis should be laid on cottage industries than upon these big industries. In the first place, almost all of our people are poor and their means of livelihood is limited and the Government is often faced with the problems of economy and also with the problems of supply. How to feed these people? In fact, there are areas today in the State where the people are almost starving or dying of neglect. Now, one of the ways through which the Government could help to solve the economic problem and the supply problem is through encouraging cottage industries in numerous parts of the State. But for that, what is required is touring and how many officers tour? There are hundreds of villages in this State where, I think, they have never seen the face of an officer. There are areas where the people are experts in weaving in their traditional forms of cottage industries but the officers have never visited these villages to encourage the people and to guide them and to instruct them on how to improve their methods of industry. Now, it is no use maintaining, Mr. Chairman, Sir, a big office here in Shillong with a plethora of officers unless they go down to the grass-roots and personally inspect the little cottage industries of our villagers. It is no use maintaining large offices here while the real artisan, who is actually working, is being neglected; and it is no use spending huge sums of money for maintaining colossal industries estates- we know for whom these are set up- when artisans of our State are suffering. So I carefully propose to the Government that the Industries Department, which is top heavy in a sense with its officers fond or warming their seats in the offices, should send their officers to the villages to wear out the sole of their shoes by travelling in almost every village and there they will and some artisans proficient in cottage industries. There various kinds of cottage industries and we have seen some of the by-products but when these come to Shillong, they are locked up in the almirah. That is all. Now the Government will say “ Here we have a long list of the people who are getting loans or grants for cottage industries”. That, Mr. Chairman, Sir, is a big hoax. It is a hoax upon the economy, upon the State and upon the people I had occasion in the past to speak on the manner in which these grants are given out. Normally, say in this district about 150 people will get the grants –small cottage industries grants – of say, between Rs. 250 and Rs. 300 but that famous office here in Shillong during the last year and the year before last had produced more than 4000 forms cyclostyled forms, and although actually 250 to 300 persons would apply, they cyclostyled more than 4000 forms. And we know for a fact that they are collecting Re.1 per form; and there are some people doing business in forms- buying 10 forms and then selling them in the village at Rs.5 each. Then the poor villagers come here in Shillong to meet us and we recommend them but we used to tell them clearly “Be sure”, you cannot get this grant “ and if by chance…….

(Interruption)

They are all genuine.

Shri S. P. Swer :- On a point of clarification, Sir, is it a fact that this Government Department is collecting Re. 1 per form?

Prof. M. N. Majaw :- It is a left-handed collection or an under –the table manoeuvre or done behind the screen. The poor people come here and they have to submit a scheme together with a form. Then there is a rate paid for the scheme fixed at Rs. 50. Once some of us get together and typed out some model schemes. But when they took these model schemes to the office, the person in charge said “No, you must take the scheme from me” which means Rs. 50. So, Sir, they have to pay Rs. 50 for the scheme and Re.1 for the form and the poor applicant is given the assurance “Don’t you worry. I am here. You will get it. But you must come to my house tomorrow morning”. So, the applicant goes to his house next tomorrow morning and whatever happens we can only guess. Then the man would be asked to come after a week and then after month. In this way, the applicant has to spend Rs. 20 or 30 for travelling up and down over and above the expenses on tea for the officer and also something else for his House. In this way, Sir, the poor people are living on this false hope. I know of a case of a man from Raitong who had to spend Rs. 400 and, ultimately he got only a grant of Rs. 250.

(Interruption)

This is happening every year. But why cannot the Government insist upon the officers that only a limited number of forms should be insisted and also that no money should be taken for the schemes. Government can certainly provide free model schemes. In the tailoring scheme, the applicants should be given a tailoring scheme free of cost……..

Shri S. D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Industries) :- Sir, I would like to have a clarification, when the hon. Member mentions Rs. 50 per scheme is it an official fee or an under the table-left handed money ?

Prof. M. N. Majaw :- It is not an official money. However, it is known to everyone that in the industries Office anybody can get a scheme if money is paid. So, I would like to suggest to the Government that they should not spend much of their time on grants alone when the money at the disposal of the Government is very limited. Besides, everybody cannot be satisfied and so the Government should give grants to only a limited number of persons, say, about 150 so that the amount of grant given to each is quite substantial. So, Mr. Chairman, Sir, instead there should be more field staff who would go to the interior and also Government should appoint honest fields staff who would not be rather a burden on the people of the villages by asking chickens drinks, etc., from them. As I said, let there be reasonable honest persons who would go to the interior to instruct our people teach them and encourage them in cottage industries instead of sitting here in Shillong.

Shri Winstone Syiemiong :- Mr. Chairman, Sir, while taking part in the discussion on encouragement of cottage industries in the State. I feel that one of the most important factors in this respect is to have markets for the produce of our cottage industries. I do not know to what extent our Government has been able to create marketing facilities but the fact remains that unless we have a market for these produces of our cottage industries in the rural areas, it is meaningless to encourage cottage industries. As a matter of fact, our people in the villages can produce many articles, as for example, smoking pipes. If property encouraged, I am sure, these smoking pipes will not only get markets in India but also abroad as a fine handicraft. Not only smoking pipes, there are other local handicrafts like doas, knives, etc,. and if proper marketing facilities can be provided, I believe, it will augment our resources to a great extent. In this connection, I would like to urge upon the Government to see while encouraging cottage industries that steps should also be taken to have some research to improve the quality of our products so that there will be a demand in the market. As for example we have got these bamboo mats which cost nowadays Rs. 200 or so and which are far superior to other types of carpets which are brought from outside the State. But since there is no research we cannot improve the quality or style of the materials. So Mr. Chairman, Sir, I would request the Government to under take some research in our handicrafts and also to secure markets for our products. Moreover, I would also request the Government to appoint more officers to go to the interiors and encourage cottage industries but not as at present that some one will go just to enquire from one man just to find out the number of applicants and one of that basis he will make some recommendation without going into the merits of a particular case. Therefore, Mr. Chairman, Sir, I would request the Government to appoint more officers in this Department. Thank you.

Shri B. B. Shallam :- Mr. Chairman, Sir, I would like to take part in this Motion and I would certainly fall in line with she hon. Mover of the motion in the matter of encouraging small scale industries in the State especially in the far flung areas. To my knowledge the Government has taken various steps to encourage this cottage industries. But one thing I cannot understand why the mover of the months has stated that nothing has been done by the Government. But I would like to inform the House that so far as Jaintia Hills District is concerned, visible progress in cottage industries has been made such as potteries, carpentries etc. But what I feel more imperative is that the people who are getting grants or loans from the Government should be really deserving. The officers who would recommend the cases may have some weakness for some one but they should not recommend any one who is not deserving. They should verify carefully.

Mr. Chairman :- I think there is a Sub-committee for that.

Shri B. B. Shallam :- But the Sub-committee has to depend on the verification of the officers. I know there are many cases where the most deserving candidates have been deprived of grants.

Mr. Chairman :- I think this cases a reflection on the Government since a sub-committee has been constituted to consider the matter very carefully.

Shri B. B. Shallam :- In any case, what I feel is that we should take all possible steps to see that the officers concerned go on touring the far flung areas and find out he really deserving people. As for example last time, in the matter of distribution of sewing machines a long list was prepared of the people who are really tailors. With these few words, I resume my seat.

Shri Hopingstone Lyngdoh :- Mr. Chairman, Sir, I would also like to participate in this motion moved by my friend, the hon. Member for Mawhati. Sir, there is great scope for the development of industries in this State. So far as we are concerned, we are only a new born State and we have not yet been able to take up big industries or major industries. This is the time that we are contemplating to make an approach towards development of industries . According to my opinion Sir, I think this is also the time where we should gear up our machinery in the pace of development of our industries and agriculture in the State which are the most vital subjects of the State. So Sir, I don’t see any reason why we cannot develop industries in our State when we have got enough raw materials. However, as far as we are concerned, I do not claim that our tribal people are better craftsman, than other people in India or other State. But if we are given a chance I can claim that we are second to none. Mr. Chairman, Sir, in so far as development of industries in our State is concerned, we have seen that the Government is more keen for big industries or major industries like the one which was recently built in Byrnihat. But the idea of developing our small industries, cottage industries which are already in existence since time immemorial is far from their mind. We have seen. Sir, that there is great scope for the expansion of these small industries in the State. I do not know whether this Government is only adopting what they have been instructed from Delhi or of the erstwhile Assam State regarding the approach to develop electricity here in this State.

Mr. Chairman :- Mr. Lyngdoh the motion here concerns only with cottage industries.

Shri Hopingstone Lyngdoh :- Yes, Sir, but I am comparing the mode of approach in the development of cottage and major industries. Because, it seems the Government is more keen for big industries or major industries than on cottage industries. They have proposed also to set up big power projects under the Electricity Board by taking up this big scheme in the Umiam, Umkhen and Kynshi Rivers which will cost crores of rupees. In implementing these projects our projects would have on the other side of development like agriculture and its allied activities. You know Sir, those big Hydroelectric dam will reduce the area of cultivable in the State. So. Sir, it is through these small industries or medium industries that our people can prosper and get easy approach to development. Sir, if at all we develop electricity potentiality and also the cost of construction will be less and economical but there is no denying the fact that those big scale projects would invite colonization of the people from the outside world to come to our State in future. And if we develop small scale industries and if we allow them to thrive all over the State where the raw materials are available readily at site this will give a chance to our people to come forward to work and organize those Small industries. Otherwise, a time will come when this State of ours will be colonized by certain outsiders in those areas where big projects were taken up. Of course, we have not yet experienced about strike, agitations like those big projects in other State. But Sir, I can tell for sure that when these big projects are there, workers will set the chance to organize there will be scope for such disturbances in the field of development in this State. So Sir, if the Government would take proper care right now to develop small scale industries in our State the future prospect of development will be very bright, for example there is scope to do so, say the brooms which we have seen in Iew-Duh or Barabazaar. People used to bring those broomsticks from the interior of Ri-War or Bhoi area like Nongpoh. These things got accumulated there in Iew-Mawlong Hat and then exported to Bombay, West Bengal. In Bombay and Calcutta they dressed those broomsticks with modern techniques in their more advanced and luxurious way in there scale industries and then they sent back the broomsticks to Shillong where the people rushed to buy there luxurious broomsticks which have been prepared in West Bengal and Maharashtra though these are originally produced from Shillong and carried there by traders. We have seen that those raw materials can be produced is sufficient quantity in this State, the benefit there from always goes outside to the industrialists in other State. Now-a-days, we know that these grassed and bamboos are in great demand all over the world for some kins of decorations that can be made out of them. These grow in plenty in the War and Bhoi areas of our State of which we cannot make any useful products whereas they were greatly demanded in the advanced world because they can be turned out into several useful items in other parts of the country. Moreover, Sir, we would like to stress the need to develop small scale industries in the State in order that our people can establish and employ themselves in them and that their products will find good market in the outside world which today needs them very much. There is one kind of leaf grown in the bushes and jungles of our State. Some people used to collect these leaves and dry them and send them out as they are mostly required in other State. They say that this kind of leaf fern like thing finds good market even in the city like Delhi for use in certain small scale industries. This leaf after having been processed was sold there at a very good price. So these things can well be encouraged development of cottage industries. Our people can be taught in modern painting arts and crafts and a lot of other things can be done and produced here which can be reported to other State and even outside.

Even in mental works also our people have got a lot of dexterity and skill to manufacture good mental for selling anywhere in the State. For example, blacksmithy at Mylliem, is quite popular and is known, all over the State for its good knives, spades and daos and other implements that are produced by the blacksmithy of Mylliem. These articles can be improved and given a better design if Government encourage the blacksmithy who produces them.

Then, Sir, I come to cutlery found mostly in Laitlyngkot and Mylliem. Our people as I said are very adept in making cutleries which are even far better from those of foreign countries. But people are doing in a small way without any help from the Government. I believe if more incentive and encouragement are given to the manufacturers in any form, those articles could get a wide market in some other parts of the country also. The indigenous cutlery articles produced at Laitlyngkot and Mylliem are comparatively better and more durable than those produced in big factories of foreign countries, or in India, and their prices are also comparatively cheaper than those of other big factories. So Sir, if these small industries can be improved by means of grants or loans or any assistance given by Government, even if can be found all over the country and even throughout the world. Out State is rich in many materials for developing cottage industries such as bamboo and cane works, handicrafts, weaving tailoring, woodcrafts, and many other small things. Our people are also industrially minded and if they are given any incentive in the Shape of grants or financial help from the Government then they can produce even better articles than other parts of the country. Thereby they can augment the revenue of the State to a great extent. Our State will prosper both industrially and economically in future.

We know, Sir, that Japan has become one of the greatest industrial countries in the world. It has beaten down other high industrialized countries of the world. It has captured a large market for its manufactured goods through out the world. The Japanese people are very industrious and skilled people. Sir, just after the Second World War of 1945, Japan has progressed both industrially and economically and has been able to establish herself into one of the highly developed and most industrialized countries of the world. Right from the start, her people tried to manufacture many articles and many small and big scale industries have been set up by them. Step by step they built up the industries of the country till it now earn the greatest reputation in the world. This is because the Government also helped to set up many cottage and large scale industries. Many facilities of building up industries are given by the Government. Therefore, Japan could produce good artisans, good craftsmen, good technicians and engineers and good manufacturers. The people are also laborious and they can bring out many products fine products in Japan and the Government itself thought of finding a good market throughout the world the first instance when those first or second products has no markets Government itself bought them and auctioned them thereby encouraged the people to produce better quality. So Sir, Japan now has become one of the greatest manufacturers good in the world.

So also, Sir, here in our State we have got ample scope to develop our cottage industries as well as many medium industries because, as I said, we are rich in raw materials for these things. We have got everything here. With these few words, I think the Government will agree with me to develop the cottage industries in the first instance and then medium industries and so on and so forth in our State. Thank you.

Shri H. E. Pohshna :- Mr. Chairman, Sir, while taking part in this decision, I would like to give one suggestion which in my mind I think will help the department of cottage industries of the Government. Sir, hundred and thousand of sewing machines have been distributed to different areas of the State. Not only that, grants have also been given to those people who are interested in cane and bamboo industries and also in blacksmith and some other cottage industries of the State. But Sir, the question is whether those grants have been distributed to the power deserving persons or not ? This is a question for the Government to find out. Ways and means should be found out to investigate into the matter and see whether grants have been distributed to those deserving persons and whether the money has been utilised strictly for the purpose of such cottage industries or not. For the last two years incentives have been given how to improve and develop cottage industries in different parts of the State. But Sir, you will be surprised to learn that people used to say- if you want to get grant or financial help from the Government for your cottage industry, join the Ruling party,. It appears that politics play an important role in the industry, of grants. Sir, there are instances where the Sub-committee of the Blocks have granted some people with some sewing machines, and also some grants have been given for blacksmithy and carpentry in different areas of the State. But if, for example, a carpentry in different areas of the State. But if, example, a carpenter happens to be from the Opposition side, or one who supports the opposition party attempt were made to deprive him other agents. It was told that there is one case in which to the C. E. M. or the Members of the sub-committee of the block asked B. D. O. to give the grant to him and he again will give it to the grantee but it was told that the grant was not given to the man because he belongs to the other party.

Sir, once I have forwarded some applications for making enquiry and no action has been taken. Moreover, Sir, in the year 1972, I know some sewing machines and some grants were distributed on the recommendation of the Committee constituted by the D. C. Jaintia Hills. The D. C. then convened a meeting of all M. D. C.s and M. L. A. and distribution has been made of the people of different areas who have been recommended by local representatives. But Sir, on this procedure was latter on changed and a committee was constituted with the majority member of the Ruling Party. Usually grants were given on the recommendation of the Enquiry Officer but now those who do not get his recommendation do not get the grants but only these who get of the recommendation representative of the ruling party, get the grants.

So there was a complain from those poor people who did not receive any grants that only those applicants who belong to the Ruling Party get all grants.

Mr. Chairman :- Mr. Pohshna do you mean to say that preference will be given to the members of the Ruling Party.

Shri H. E. Pohshna :- Yes, Sir, thank you for that. That is the general practice of giving grants. Now when application have been invited from the genuine persons of the State, the genuineness has been defined from the political point of view………….(laughter). I am always very frank Mr. Chairman Sir.

Mr. Chairman ; Then why don’t you join this side ?

Shri H. E. Pohshna :- If I am on that side I will not be able to point out anything, but this side at least I can point out something. Ten another distribution policy of grants was made latter, i.e., by a board –a notification was made that in the Jaintia Hills the following members are to constitute a Board.

Shri B. B. Shallam :- He said that that is the practiced procedure.

Shri H. E. Pohshna :- In my constituency , if you require about the total sewing machines that are distributed last year you will fine that 9/10^th of the sewing machines were granted to one particular village which supported the Ruling party and the rest of the Constituency did not get even 1/10^th of the grant.

Mr. Chairman :- It may be also be for the reason that in that particular village there are real artisans, and as such the number will be more.

Shri H. E. Pohshna :- Sir, the real artisans are defined according to the opinions of the Members of the Boards. Therefore, Sir, I would like to suggest to the Government that a team or an Enquiry Committee be appointed to enquire into a verify as to which destination these hundreds and thousands of sewing machines and tools for carpentry have gone. Otherwise, if you go to the market at Musiang Bazaar and ask the people who are making knives, making mats (shylliah), who are making muras, cane chairs whether they have got grants from the Government which they will say “no”-Real artisans are not getting grants.

Shri B. B. Shallam :- They do not make knives and cane chairs in the Bazaar….

(Laughter)

Mr. Chairman :- Local knives were brought to the bazaar for sale.

Shri H. Enowell Pohshna :- So I suggest that we go together and ask those people who are making knives, and settling them, those who are making cane chairs and are having cottage industries, and enquires from them if they were ever getting loans, whether the real people, who are supplying knives in the market, who is being cane materials to the market whether they have got grants or not. My point here is to suggest to the Government that when we talk on the important subject of cottage industries, since in Meghalaya about 90 per cent of them are still living in cottage, to verify and to make some enquiries whether the grants have gone to proper people or not. Secondly, Sir, I think this way of constituting to the proper people or not. Secondly, Sir, I think this way of constituting the Board mostly by M. D. Cs and M. L. A. is not so good because M. L. As and M. D. C.s have got some obligation. If a headman or a Secretary of the local committee or the leader of the polling agent approached the Members for grants or loans, naturally something will be there. Therefore, Sir, I would request in this also that something should be done in order to see that the basic principle of the Government should not be spoiled by discrimination. Thirdly, before taking my seat, I would like to say that growth of cottage industries in the State depends wholly upon the schemes of the Government. And what is the scheme I would like to stress on the same thing and make a concrete suggestion that a team or a committee or a sub-committee be appointed to go into the matter in details, e.g., in Garo Hills Members from Garo Hills will form a Committee in that District, in Khasi Hills, Members from Khasi Hills will form a committee in that District and also in Jaintia Hills, members will form a committee in that District with all the M. L. As and M. D. C.s to find out what has become of the various grants that have been distributed and also to suggest ways and means for necessary change and now to improve the cottage industries . With these few words , Sir. and with due respect to the Minister-in-charge of Industries who happened to get a major portion of criticism from this side of the House. But I would say that we are ready to cooperate with the Government on condition that Government must also cooperate with us. Government should also take our co-operation or suggestions, but first let us study what has become of the various grants that have been distributed and from then on we will be able to find out ways and means in order to recommend what should be done to improve the work of cottage industries in the State. Thank you .

Shri Rowell Lyngdoh :- Mr. Chairman, Sir, I would also like to take part in this motion. The steps suggested to encourage the growth of cottage industries in the State got show that is really a very important subject. Sir. It is high time for the Government to encourage the growth of cottage industries in the State because as you know, Sir, self-employment is mostly generated through these cottage industries. As many hon. Members who have spoken before me have said, everywhere specially in the Border Areas, people are engaging themselves in the cottage industries, but of course these is lack of guidance from the Government. We know, Sir, that this State of ours once was very famous in cottage industries and many of the people were experts in these lines. But slowly they forget this important subject of cottage industries and as such many of the materials, and articles which are using now have to be bought from outside or from the big factories at a higher rate although the quality is not so good. Therefore, it is time that Government should encourage the people in this line. Many types that Government should nearly been forgotten . The making of herbs for curing the disease or for curing the patients and a lot of others.

Mr. Chairman :- Is that also to be classed as an industry ?

Shri Rowell Lyngdoh :- Then in that case, distillation also has to be classed as a cottage industry.

Shri Rowell Lyngdoh :- If you approve, we can also . Then making of agricultural tools and implements is one of the cottage industries. In olden days , people manufactured spades, daos and other articles from the iron extracted from our own areas. But now-a-days , we are no more depending on our own cottage industries, but we are bringing them from some factories outside the State. Therefore, Sir, we would like that Government should have a proper principle and policy for encouraging the small-scale and cottage industries in the State. A lot of money has been spent by the industries Department with the aim to encourage the people in the development of cottage industries. But as it is now, we have not benefited much from the money which was spent by this Department. It may be because the Government officials or the officials entrusted with the jobs of guiding or teaching the people in the line are not so much interested or because they do not know anything what cottage industries mean. It may be also due to lack of training or lack of guide and policy of the office. It seems that our people have forgotten cottage industries , which they used to do in olden days. So I feel that Government should encourage the people to revive them. The Government should send its trained officials who have the real desire to develop this type of industry . But as we have heard from many hon. Members that even grants which have been given for development of cottage industries are not going to the proper persons. Moreover Sir, the officials of the Government while going to help the people in the villages for encouraging cottage industries, do things only for their own interest and not for the interest of the people. Few years back, grants were sanctioned for sewing machines. There are two types of machines Usha and Merrit one is of superior quality and the other inferior quality. But the amount of grant given is the same. Naturally, the price of a better quality sewing machines is higher.

Mr. Chairman :- According to you, which one is better ?

Shri Rowell Lyngdoh :- I think, Merrit is decidedly better and earlier. I do understand the reason why Government should supply two types of sewing machines to those craftsman. It may be because of the interest of the officials that these things are done and not for the interest of the craftsman.

I would suggest that Government should grant licenses to many of the important crafts and industries . Sir, in the State we have got many people who know even to repair fire-arms. If these people are allowed by the Government to repair the fire-arms, they can under the supervision of the Government, even manufacture arms and rifles.

Mr. Chairman :- Whether that can be done by the State Government ?

Shri Rowell Lyngdoh :- Why not ? Even Manipur State also can do. They are known as Manipuri Rifles. Sir, as we know, in the olden days the people used to medicinal herbs for curing disease. If this also can be encouraged, it will be helpful to the so-called country physicians and the State as a whole and that will give certain employment to the people.

There are other spheres of cottage industries like forest products and mineral products. If these can be given proper guidance by the Government, I think that will go long way to develop our State and if Government consider the steps brought forward by the hon. mover for encouraging cottage industries, that will be beneficial to the whole State. With these few words, Sir, I resume my seat.

Shri D. D. Lapang :- Mr. Chairman, Sir, I would like to associate myself in the discussion of the motion brought forward by the hon. Members from the other side. It is really a very important item so far as development of part of our State is concerned. We would very much appreciate if Government pay more attention to the development of the cottage industries than encouragement of big industries because cottage industries are the items which our local people can take part through traditional arts and crafts . Sir it is an admitted fact that this Department so far my knowledge goes, has been trying its best in a very short time to improve cottage industries and the activities of the Department to the best of their ability inspite of so many drawbacks. It has come to my knowledge that during the period of two or three years the items of cottage industries in our State have been increased with leaps and bounds in comparison with the number industries in the erstwhile Assam Government. Now we are very proud to know that there are units of cottage industries in our State like the Eastern Enterprise Ltd. for making hospital equipments and appliances. We did not have this industry while we were with Assam. But now we are having it in our State and more of this type of industries are coming up. There are motor works and two or three weaving centres where we are having our people trained even from the interior and also we are having carpentry training school.

I came across many candidates who came to me for certificates. They are applying for carpentry industry and I came to know yesterday itself that the training in this trade has been started. There, are also youths whom this Department sent to paper works Training Centre, and after finishing their training they can start their won industrial and unit. This is very commendable. At Nayabangalow very lose to my home town, there is a big workshop of the Government and this workshop supplies as much as 50 percent of the requirements of the Government of furniture and other things through the Government Cottage Industrial unit. It is a thing to be noted with great appreciation. Mr. Chairman, Sir, regarding the items which we have got in our State, which have been clearly exhibited in the last industrial exhibition where myself and most of our colleagues have the privilege of observing and we have seen the performance of the Industrial Department and without any rhyme or reason we can simply comment on this Department, which has achieved a great deal.

Regarding grants, hon. friend had the occasion to mention that the members of the Board are considering on the merit of being a member of the ruling party or something like that. I am privileged to say that I am also one of the members of the Board in this District and I am also one of the hon. Member from Mawprem who happen to be a member of the Board for will agree with me that there is no such intention on the part of the Board to consider only the cases of the people who support the ruling party will be distributed grants. Matter are considered in view of the merits of the case and if such a case really occurred in Jaintia Hill, then I think it is very unfortunate and things should be rectified. I do not accept that it is the Government policy ; in the matter of selection of grantee to base their consideration only if the point is that the members of the ruling party will get preference, then there may come a time when the majority is from the other side as such the grants will be given to the other side. I cannot accept that contention and I have no knowledge that grants were allocate on that ground. I can speak with full confidence that in this District no such thing occurred, Mr. Chairman, Sir, it is an admitted fact (Interruption).. .. ..

Shri H.E. Pohshna :- Mr. Chairman, Sir, my point is that an Enquiry Committee should be set up to see whether it is a fact or not, that the grantee should be a member of the ruling party.

Shri E. Bareh (Minister , Agriculture) :- Is it mentioned in the application like that ?

Mr. Chairman :- You see, the suggestion for constituting an Enquiry Committee for any unspecified charge or suggestion is not right. If any specified fact is placed before the House, that is a different matter. But I do not think that a committee had to be appointed and enquiry is to be made for each and every allegation Perhaps the Minister will clarify.

Shri D.D. Lapang :- Of course, it is a fact that there is something which I want to suggest to the Government regarding the distribution of sewing machines. Sir, Government has stated that only persons who pass the training will get the advantage of having sewing machines.

Mr. Chairman :- That was continued at the later stage when the applications were received.

Shri D. D. Lapang :- This year also.

Mr. Chairman :- Last year.

Shri D. D. Lapang :- Last year it was like that but the Government after pressure, feels that others also should get and not only the trainees who are undergoing training. Because it is found that those who passed the training will get the advantage of getting a machine, whereas an experienced tailor because of poverty could not get a machine although in comparison he may earn more. So in order to do justice.

Sir, we have raised this question and the Government has introduced the form which has been distributed and those candidates who pass from the training will be considered to have the advantage of getting a sewing machine other than tailors who by experience know tailoring those people who know from experience. For example, in Shillong or Jowai you will see that the people who do tailoring in Bara bazaar or Iawmusiang, know better and earn more than those who have just passed from the training. But they do not get much chance even to get a machine and Government should consider this aspect of the matter.

One more point, Mr. Chairman, Sir, before I resume my seat, it comes to my knowledge that there is dearth of officers for supervision of this offices. As the hon. Member correctly stated that the administration was not run properly due to lack of supervision because due to shortage of officers, So I request Government to see that officers are appointed in sufficient number to deal with the work very effectively. It also comes to my knowledge that so far as the District office is concerned, Government does not pay much attention to the employees in the Directorate of Cottage Industries office. They have been working there for 10,15, or 20 years and some of them went on retirement before they were getting confirmed. Since they were not made on retirement before they were getting confirmed. Since they were not permanent they were not given all the facilities extended to some of the offices. So as a result they have lost the incentive and interest in their work. I would to request the Government to look to the interest betterment and welfare of the employees Mr. Chairman, Sir. Lastly, while appreciating the achievement and progress of this Department I will put forward this suggestion also that the Government should see its way to improve the Cottage Industries in our State.

Shri F. K. Mawlot :-Mr. Chairman, Sir, I would like ........

Mr. Chairman :-Please note that there are as many as eight Motion listed for today and if you want to stick to this one Motion, then please continue.

Shri F. K. Mawlot :- It seems there is no hope of taking up the other motions today. They will be lapsed. So, Mr. Chairman, Sir, first of all, I want to emphasis more on point raised by the hon. Member from Mawkyrwat regarding the encouragement by the Government to this local talent. Why I say local talents ? There are people who can even manufacture guns or any type of rifle, but they were not taken into consideration. We need thousands of guns for protection of our crops from being destroyed by animals in Garo Hills, Khasi Hills as well as in Jaintia Hills.

We have to purchase all these guns from outside the State and most of them are manufactured in Manipur, Calcutta and somewhere else. If the Government help the local people to obtain license to manufacture or just simply to repair the guns which are damaged that would partly solve the problem of employment and also improve the economy of the State.

Shri S. P. Swer :- Mr. Chairman, Sir, I would like to point out that while speaking the Member should speak from his own seat.

Mr. Chairman :- I should like to remind the House that as a rule, the Member while speaking should occupy his own seat and should not move from one seat to another. This will uphold the sense of decorum and decency of the House.

Shri F. K. Mawlot :- Thank you for the correction though I am speaking here from the Congress Bench or the ruling bench but from my original bench.

Mr. Chairman :- My being is to protect the rules and not to suppress them. A Member while taking part in the discussion should speak from his own seat according to the rules.

Shri F. K. Mawlot :- Mr. Chairman, Sir, first of all while entering the House I also tried to observe the rules that I should not cross the hon. Member who was speaking at that very time. So I have just occupied this very seat.

Why I wanted to stress on this point is that Government should help them to obtain licenses. I do not know whether the State Government is competent enough to issue license.

Mr. Chairman :- Whether there is anybody who has applied for licenses ?

(Voices : There are many).

Shri F. K. Mawlot :-There are many applicants but no one knows what is the fate of those applications. We know for a fact, Mr. Chairman, Sir, that there are many local talents, especially in the Maharram Syiemship, Mawsynram and Nongstoin area though we have not taken the statistics. I am sure there are more than 200 people who can repair guns and this has been checked up by Government. Those people who were earning their livelihood from this trade have been stopped and have become helpless. Mere I may cite one example. There is one gentlemen from Laitkseh, he is a limping man and he cannot go to the field and till the soil but still he is earning his livelihood by repairing old guns. But when this was checked up he was barred and not allowed to repair guns anymore and now he had to depend his life on others. Well, Mr. Chairman, Sir, if the State Government really wants to help the local talents to go ahead with their profession and utilize their genius I expect that the economy of the State would have been better.

Shri S. P. Swer :-Mr. Chairman, Sir, while listening to the discussion on this particular Motion, I feel that I also should take part in the discussion and make some suggestions to the Government. The hon. Mover of the Motion, and also the hon. Member from Nongtalang have brought forward various types of cottage industries and also suggested the steps to encourage the growth of the cottage industries and especially the hon. Member from Nongspung has touched the most important point, that is marketing and research of the products of our cottage industries which are still in their traditional form. We find that our people who are engaged in these cottage industries are struggling with great difficulty how to find good market for their products. As I used to mention in this august House, the people who are engaged in these cottage industries are facing difficulty to sell their products at a reasonable price as is expected. There is one traditional industry which thrives very well in the southern slopes of the State and that, Bee Keeping Industry. The bee keepers, on more than one occasion, especially those from Cherra, Shella and Pynursla side, always complained that they could not sell honey at a good price as they expected. In order to encourage this traditional cottage industry, the Government should take steps how to improve the quality of honey products of the bee keepers. We know that honey which is known by the name Orange, Honey is famous in this country of ours and I believe it has established its reputation not only in this country of ours but abroad also. And as you know, because our bee keepers are poor, they cannot afford to stock honey and sell it to the consumers direct, but they have to sell it through the traders, and these traders in course of transportation of the same to the consumers, resorted to large scale adulteration of this pure honey. Now if, the Industries Department would take the initiative and prepare a scheme under which this honey can be processed in order to get pure honey, and also if the Industries Department could set up a cell which will consists of a laboratory where there will be certification of the honey, I hope the reputation of our honey which comes from the traditional industry in our State will not be lost. And another suggestion that I would like to make is that there should be proper co-ordination for the growth of the Cottage Industries at all levels of the Industries Department which deals with the major and small scale Industries and large scale industries. The point that I am trying to make out is this. Those products or products produced by the Cottage Industries have not attained the final stage, I mean the Industries which produce those products which have yet to attain the final stage fit to be called as finished products.

(At this stage Shri W. Syiemiong as Chairman, occupied the Chair.)

I may cite an example. We have many cultivators who cultivate pine apple and other fruits. Now those people can be encouraged to take up the canning of fruits in the form of a cottage industry. That is at the first stage, they will produce the juice and the juice be preserved and sent to a Canning factory which is supposed to be a large scale Canning Industry. Thus, we will get other products from this juice collected or produced by these people in the form of cottage industry. Mr. Chairman, Sir, as regards the other steps taken by the Government to encourage the growth of Cottage Industries in the State. I do not find any of the Members who would dispute the policy of the Government in encouraging the artisans as an incentive to improve their own trade. And for those enterprising artisans, who want to improve their own trade in a bigger way, there are loans which the Industries Department used to grant to those applicants. Therefore, Mr. Chairman, Sir, the only point which is very much in dispute is only the selection of those grantees. I think the selection varies from one District to another District. In this District of Khasi Hills as the hon. Members from Nongpoh has very correctly stated the applicant recommend by the Committee set up for this purpose, whether a Member belongs to any community, we do not take that to be a criterian and it is still more difficult to say that the applicant has his political affiliation to this party or that party. It is still very difficult and that is the charge which I cannot accept and which is also untrue and that is not criterion for selection of grantees. Therefore, Mr. Chairman, Sir, before I resume my seat, I feel that the Industries Department while considering the steps to encourage the growth of cottage industries in the State should also take the survey of the whole situation as to whether these Cottage Industries in the traditional form are still in existence and how to improve and how to encourage their growth in future. With these few words, Mr. Chairman, Sir, I resume my seat. Thank you.

*Shri. E. Kurbah :-Mr. Chairman, Sir, I would like to take part in the motion moved by the hon. Member from Mawhati. I am very glad, to note that the Industries Department is trying its level best to accelerate the growth of cottage industries in the State. But it is a matter for regret to say here that in spite of its best efforts in giving grants-in-aid to our people actually most of them have gone wrong because instead of going to the right persons, they have gone to the wrong persons. Mr. Chairman, Sir, I would like to bring out one point and that is whether it is a fact or not that the Selection Board of Industries has already proposed that the distribution of sewing machines should be given to only those persons who have passed out their training.

(At this stage, the Deputy Speaker occupied the Chair).

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I for myself do not like to agree to this because the reasons is that very few in our State have passed out this training in sewing machines. What about the people in the rural areas? Many of them do not have this qualification and so many of their applications for sewing machines were rejected. In the matter of distribution of the sewing machines many of the applicants have gone to many of the hon. Members saying " What about us because we have already received a circular from the Department that this year only those experienced persons would get the sewing machines. But we also know the arts of sewing machines. So why should we also not get the sewing machines any more ?" It is a sad thing because the sewing machine is very important. So, Sir, I would request the Government that since the Government is above the Board, the matter of sewing machines should be considered again and not to give only to those who have passed out the training but also to those persons who know or have a little experience in sewing.

Then the other point which I would like to bring to the notice of the Government is in the matter of distribution of sewing machines to the rural areas. Of course, I cannot freely say that it is duplication but then some machines go only to some other organisations. There is an organisation known as the Women's Organisation and most of the machines they get from the Block and also from the Industries Department. First preference was given to them. But Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, here also I would like to say that they get the machines from the Block and also from the Industries Department through the recommendation of the Block. Some organisation exists only in name where there is only one woman.

Shri S. P. Swer :- Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, may I have a clarification from the hon. Members ? When were those women's organisations organised and whether they are registered?

Shri E. Kurbah :- They are already in the Blocks Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.

Shri S. P. Swer :- But were they organised, when and in which area ?

Shri F.K. Mawlot :-Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I think the hon. Member from Sohiong is mentioning only the organisations which are registered because I know for a fact that even in my constituency there are a number of societies which are registered.

Shri S.P. Swer :- But my question is "when?"

Shri F.K. Mawlot :- Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, for that we shall have to look into each and every organisation.

* Shri E. Kurbah :- So Sir, instead of the deserving people getting the machines it is the organisation which is getting and that organisation is actually only in name. That is why one after another of these machines go to that organisation.

Mr. Deputy Speaker :- Do you mean to say that the same organisation is getting the machines every year?

Shri E. Kurbah :- Yes, Sir, from the Industries Department and also through the Block and it is for the Government to enquire whether it is a fact or not.

One more thing, Sir, and that is on those persons are repairing guns. Many of them have applied for license for repair of guns. So I would also request the Government that the licenses prayed for by the applicants should be granted to them so that they may be able to carry on their trade. With these few words, Sir, I resume my seat.

Shri G. Mylliemngap :- Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, while participating in the motion, first of all. I would like to say that generally our people are agriculturists but agriculture is not a whole-time job for our people. Therefore, I feel that encouragement of cottage industries is a must so that the slack season or slack months which our people are having can be utilised by engaging themselves in cottage industries. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, our tribal people have got some inborn skill in this respect and what they only need is encouragement from the Government. In good old days there were better centres especially in our Cherra side where the people used to exchange their cast iron products with the people of Bangladesh. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, this in fact is only one of our cottage industries; we are also having handloom industries and these handloom cottage industries were very much appreciated by all quarters and some of our handloom cloths like muga and dhara are being sent to foreign countries. Sir, these handloom products and iron materials which we were producing once were defeated or rather shifted from the original centre of production to another part of the country for lack of encouragement and the difficulties they faced in the competition with those properly organised agencies. In respect of iron when the British came over to this land they were trying their best to do away with these indigenous materials which we were producing and for our handloom the centre of production had been shifted to plains. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the hon. Member from Cherra has correctly pointed out that for lack of co-ordination and also for want of markets our cottage industries are facing extreme difficulties. Sir, there are so many other cottage industries which we can improve and bring up to the standard for competition with the products from other parts of the country. In case of bamboo products we know that Tripura has gone far ahead due to encouragement from the Government for these types of cottage industries and now they are capturing the market. In this respect I feel that our Government can also encourages these types of industries also and by doing that, as I have said, we need a market so that our indigenous producers can easily find an outlet to sell their products. As it is now, our Emporiums have not yet taken up the work in a proper line which I feel that Government will have more hands and to encourage this sale emporium also to give encouragement to these indigenous products. As regards granting of loans, Sir, I feel, the schemes which are still following are the same stereotyped programmes which we have inherited from our elder sister State of Assam. I feel that instead of giving grants to 200 or 300 cases it would be more purposeful if we can limit these grants only to real deserving cases; instead of having 200 or 300 it would be better if we get only 20 genuine cases so that our real purpose is achieved. It is a fact that the Industries Department is trying its level best to encourage development of cottage industries but, as I said, our tribal people having some inborn skill in this respect, I am sure, if the Government undertake a proper survey it may help us to find out the suitable types of cottage industries which should be encouraged, we will be able to earn foreign exchange and thus enhance the country of the State. Thank you.

Shri S.D.D. Nichols-Roy (Minister, Industries) :-Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, in reply, I was carefully noting down the various points and I am sorry to say that I have heard very few concrete suggestions that can really be implemented. There are certain suggestion raised by Members in the form of non-implementation of schemes by the department. However, I do not agree with the hon. Member from Cherra that there are certain defects in the policy of the Government in regard to implementation of the schemes. There might be one or two cases, that is a different matter. Now, I would like to make certain points as to what are the programmes of the Department of Industries for the development of cottage industries under the Government of of Meghalaya. The role of the department in small scale and village industries is to identify projects, arrange raw materials, grants loans, arrange finance from the banks, give grant-in-aid wherever necessary, arrange training of artisans inside and outside the State, etc. We have also formulated a package scheme of incentives and finalised construction of industrial estates. M.I.D.C. is also sending young businessmen to Entrepreneurs' Training courses. You are also aware that we have recently invited officials of small Industries Extension Training Institute of the Government of India to hold orientation Courses for Industries Officers, who in turn, will train up entrepreneurs. We are also seeking their assistance to prepare industrial fact sheets which could be the basis for setting up small scale units. We were not making satisfactory progress through National Small Industries Corporation in hire purchase of machines. This is now proposed to be done through the Industrial Development Corporation as per recent decision of the Cabinet. Now, training is imparted to interested candidates in different training centres of the State with stipends in trades like Carpentry, Black-smithy, Leather works, Soap-making, Hand-made Paper-making, Tailoring, Knitting and Embroidery, Bee-Keeping, Cane and Bamboo works. There is another programme for training of artisans and candidates in trades, facilities for which do not exist in the State. Training is arranged in recognised Institutions outside the State.

(At the stage the Speaker occupied the Chair).

There is a provision for giving grants-in-aid in cash/kind to the passed out trainees to start a trade independently in which the passed out trainees have the know-how. There were criticisms expressed by the Member from Nongtalang about the implementation of this programme and I would like to categorically state Mr. Speaker, Sir, that there is no question whatsoever as to the qualification of any person in that particular trade or for giving the grants to the person who belongs to the Ruling Party. The policy of the Government is to give grants, as the case may be, to the artisans and to the people who deserve those grants. There are no specific cases where non-genuine person were given and genuine persons were not given. But I may inform the Member that whenever any deserving persons were not given such grants such cases should be brought to the notice of the Government for enquiry. But I am not prepared to make an enquiry on vague allegations to spend the time and money of the Government by appointing an enquiry Committee or Commission, as the case may be. In any way, there should be specific cases to correct any defect. It is not a fact, as alleged by the member. that it is the Government policy to give grant or loan only because a person is member of the Ruling Party that is not at all the policy. Interested entrepreneurs are taken to industrial centres in different parts of the country on Study Tours at Government expenses. This is one of the programmes of the Department. In the Matter of development of cottage industries the State Directorate of Industries co-ordinates with the programmes of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission State Board and Handicrafts Board, which is the programme for encouraging cottage industries in the State. So far as raw materials are concerned, Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Industries Department helps Small Scale Units in getting scare raw materials from the allotments received from agencies under the Government of India and through the Raw Materials Depots at Shillong, Tura and Jowai. Regarding Financial assistance, loans up to Rs. 2,500 are disbursed to artisans for setting up cottage industries at the District level. Loans above Rs. 2,500 up to Rs. 20,000 are given for starting small scale industries. The Directorate recommends to financial Institutions loan applications of entrepreneurs for loans at concessional rates of interest. Some members have mentioned about the problem marketing. This is certainly one of the problems for cottage industries. There is an arrangement for disposal of products manufactured by cottage Industries through the Sales Depots under this Directorate though there is no sales emporium at present. Government Departments may purchase stores from Cottage and Small Scale units by paying 15 per cent higher rate as compared to Stores offered by large units under the Preferential Stores Purchase Programme. The Member from Mawhati has mentioned about appointing more officers for supervising touring works in the district and the State as a whole. I may point out Mr. Speaker, Sir, to the Member concerned that we have appointed Extension Officers of Industries in the Blocks and these are the officers which were meant to look after the cottage industries in the block level. They have to supervise and make suggestion wherever necessary at the block level. Therefore, it is not necessary to appoint more people right from the headquarters to make those tours because there are officers meant to do this work at the Block level. For the block level and the district level we have exhibitions so that the entrepreneurs, artisans can display their products and sell them. Some months back an exhibition had been held here in this Districts headquarters on an annual basis to popularise cottage industries products. It has been announced also that such exhibitions would be held in the Districts headquarters of Jaintia Hills Districts, Khasis Hills and the Garo Hills District.

Mr. Speaker :- Will you take some more time?

Shri S.D.D. Nichol-Roy (Minister, Industries) :- I require a few more minutes, Sir. So these exhibitions help the artisans cottage industrialists to exhibit their products where they were selected in one way or other. Coming to incentives, Sir, grant of outright capital subsidy/transport subsidy, refund of sales-tax are applicable to cottage industries also. Now, Mr. Speaker, Sir, there was evidence of criticism of the Department for encouragement raging the so-called large scale industries. As a matter of fact, Mr. Speaker, Sir, only 3 industries have come up in the private sector at Byrnihat industrial area and they should by no means be classified as large scale industries by the Government of India. But they are medium scale industries. By encouraging this, it improves the climate of Industrialisation for teaching our own people ho to put up industries and to give employment to our people. But it does not mean that this Government will not encourage or do anything for the sake of small scale and cottage industries.

Mr. Speaker. :- Order please. Is it the sense of the House that we sit till the Minister completes his reply.

( Voices: Yes, Yes).

Shri S. D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Industries):- There are a number of small and cottage industries coming into exercise after, Meghalaya attained its full-fledged State in 1972. The figure that we have is 237 for Khasi Hills 20 for the Jaintia hills and 134 for Garo Hills so far registered under the Department of industries. However, every facility is being given and sponsored by the Industries Department to encourage cottage industries in the State to help our own people in the industrial sector, to flourish. The Member from Cherra had mentioned about Bee-Keeping and his suggestion for collection of honey and marketing would be examined by the Government so that effective steps could be taken to find out good market for this very good product of cottage industries and we are thinking what can be done for encouraging this particular industry.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Member from Pariong had made further reference against big industries and not favoring cottage industries . Again I would like to categorically state that there is no intention of the Government to favour large scale industries over cottage industries. But, Sir, we would like also to encourage big industries over cottage industries. But, Sir, we would also like to encourage big industries in our State in future and in particular our own people should take up those trades which they feel they can manage. The Member has also mentioned about generation of power in our State. that we should take up small scale power generation schemes. But, as I said earlier, these are often much more expensive.

Mr. Speaker :- They are less economical.

Shri S. D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Industries) :- Yes, I mean less economical than large scale projects. We recognize the problem of colonizing by the outsiders and this is certainly a problem that we have to look into when industrialists from outside come, and that is why we have laid down the policy that whenever any industry is set up whether by people from inside or outside the State, employment should be given to people from within the State to the largest extent possible.

The suggestion for setting up of a small scale industry for broom stick has been made and we will have to look into the question. So also a collection of dry leaves and ferns would certainly be done and .the trade can be given to any one who can take it up. I think I was the one who had mentioned it to the Member from Pariong about a friend from Kashmir who has been exporting these dried ferns for decoration purposes even to foreign countries. We must really assist and encourage anyone, as I said who would like to take up such an industry or trade.

Well, Mr. Speaker, Sir, I find very few concrete positive suggestions have been put forward, but this is not the only forum or place that we would welcome suggestions on how to develop or encourage cottage industries. The Department is also ready to accept those suggestions at any time and in this connection, we have set up committees for advising the Government in this regard. We would therefore, welcome at any time any suggestion as to how we should develop our cottage and small scale industries in our State. With these few words, I conclude my reply and again would welcome from any side of the Home (a) any corrections to any wrong implementation of the policy and (b) any suggestion to be made both inside and outside the House. Thank you, Sir.

ADJOURNMENT

ADJOURNMENT SINE DIE.

Mr. Speaker :- The discussion is closed. Now the House stands adjourned sine-dine.

Dated Shillong :	R.T RYMBAI,
The 3^rd July, 1974	Secretary,
	Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.

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