Gohain allays influx fear

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, FEB 7: Union Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain on Tuesday allayed the fear that railways will bring influx in Meghalaya and said the state is safe from such situation because of the Sixth Schedule, even as he lamented that the state is yet to hand over land for the project.

His statement came after opposition against the move to implement the railway projects in the state by various pressure groups, who have alleged the state government of failing to bring effective laws to tackle issue of influx.

“I think stopping such a big project (railways) for influx is not right and all should understand it,” Gohain told newsmen at the sideline of the Digi dhan Mela held on Tuesday.

Allaying the fear that such project would bring influx into the state, he said that the state is safe due to Sixth Schedule as no outsiders can buy land of the indigenous people.

On the other hand, Gohain said influx can affect the state even in the absence of railways as people still visit Meghalaya in the form of tourists which is not influx.

“I had also discussed the concerns of the people of the state with the state minister (Ampareen Lyngdoh). She has assured that the state government will extend all possible help to the Minister in this regard,” he said.

Urging that the railways projects should be allowed in the interest of the people of the state, he said, “Railway is the need of the hour for the entire population of Meghalaya.”

He was also of the opinion that development should not stop but it should move forward as the North East region is still lags behind in this sphere.

Meanwhile, the union minister also expressed concern over the delay of the state government to hand over the land for the railway projects which the Centre has sanctioned for Meghalaya.

He informed that last year Rs 300 crore was sanctioned by the Ministry for Railway projects in Meghalaya but the funds have not been utilized.

When asked, Gohain said, “As soon as the state government gives us land, we will start the construction work for the railway project.”

“Another Rs 300 crore was again sanctioned for the state in the current financial year,” he said while expressing optimistic that the railways would further develop tourism in the state and its economy will blossom.