CM announces creation of new blocks

SHILLONG, JULY 6: The ruling Congress-led Meghalaya United Alliance (MUA-II) today announced the creation of two Community and Rural Development (C&RD) blocks in East Khasi Hills District which the chief minister Mukul Sangma outlined was to serve the most vulnerable section of the society.

Earlier in the last year’s budget session, the state government had announced the creation of Mawlai Community & Rural Development Block, which was carved out from the existing Mylliem C&RD Block, along with three other blocks. This year, another two blocks was created owing to the growing demand.

However while the five new blocks are already functioning, there has been delay in the inauguration of the Mawlai C&RD Block due to differences that arises over the proposed location for the setting up of the new block office.

“Last evening, I had further review with my senior officers in the Finance department and after looking at our resources and the challenges thereof, we decided to give two blocks,” Sangma told reporters after a meeting with three MLAs and representatives of dorbar shnongs and NGOs here.

“Instead of just Mawlai block, we now have two more blocks created out of the existing Mylliem Block. These particular establishments of the government are focus to serve the most vulnerable people,” he announced.

He said while one of the blocks will be called as Mawlai block, the other will be decided based on its proposed location. The new block will cover areas under Pynthorumkhrah, Nongthymmai and part of the Mawryngkneng constituency.

The decision according to him was also in view that there has been an increased in the current population structure.  He said that the population structure of the Mylliem block before it was divided was closed to 3 lakh as per 2011 Census.

“Even after the creation of the Mawlai block, the Mylliem block will still continue to have 1.13 lakh and the new block will also continue to have 1.80 lakh as per the 2011 Census,” he added.

Pointing out at another reason, Sangma said that the decision of the government to create new blocks in the state have generated lots of joy and hope amongst the people.

Stating that his government’s commitment is to take care of the most vulnerable group of the society and to address the issue of disparity, he said, “There is joy in being able to do justice to our beloved people who can now have a sense of accomplishment.”

Informing that the two new blocks will be inaugurated at the earliest, the chief minister said, “I congratulate the people of Mawlai, Pynthorumkhrah, Nongthymma and Mawryngkneng constituency and all their representatives and leaders.”

Asked on the proposed location for setting up of the Mawlai block, Sangma said that the decision on this has been collectively taken by the people of the Mawlai constituency which has been appropriately articulated in which officers will now inspect the proposed location.