SHILLONG, SEPT 15: The symbolic and dramatic no- confidence motion moved by the opposition against the Mukul Sangma led coalition government on Thursday was withdrawn creating another first for Meghalaya assembly as never before in its history the NC had been withdrawn.
The more than six hours long debate began at around 12 noon and was withdrawn by HSPDP legislator Ardent M Basaiawmoit after chief minister Mukul Sangma exhaustive reply to all the issues raised by the opposition bench.
During the course of his reply the chief minister even was seen choking and taking out his handkerchief to wipe his eyes as he related the story of the bandh called by the GNLA only in his constituency Ampati and how the residents showed their courage and resilience during the difficulty times.
Sangma told the house that he had told the people of his constituency to remain firm and unshaken.
After the 6-hour debate, Speaker Abu Taher Mondal said, “The no-confidence motion is withdrawn with the leave of the House.” He also remarked that he has not come across an NC being was withdrawn in the past.
During the course of the debate Basaiawmoit made it clear that the intention of the NC was not to topple the government but to bring to the notice of the government the problems afflicting the state.
He urged the state government to address the concerns expressed by the opposition and ‘convert criticisms into building blocks.’
The NC was jointly moved by HSPDP, UDP and NPP against the failures of the state government on issues of development, law & order and for being responsible for the financial crisis in the state.
Two Independent legislators from Garo hills – John Leslee Sangma and Saleng A Sangma skipped the assembly session.
In his reply, chief minister Mukul Sangma claimed that fiscal health of the state is better compared to the other neighbouring states in the north east region.
“The debt GSDP ratio is one of the indicators of our fiscal health. We have never over shoot and have maintain it at 26, 27 and 28% unlike other states where the GSDP is at 40% but this doesn’t allow us to have complacency,” he said.
Assuring that the issues raised by opposition will be addressed, Sangma said, “We should try to look at issues and find solutions to ensure challenges are not the reasons for people to have sense of hopelessness.”
The chief minister also informed at length on the steps and measures taken by the state government to resolve the ongoing NGT ban on coal mining.
Highlighting the success of the IBDLP, a state flagship programme, which the opposition termed as ‘mere lip service’, Sangma announced that the government is coming up with one more such programme to improve livelihood activities of the people.
“The department of Industry has been tasked to set up Entreprenuership Incubation Centers in rural areas, in which the strength of state lies,” he said while adding the NGT ban on coal mining is an opener for the state.
Earlier, the opposition had lambasted the failures of the state government on various issues especially with regards to tackling crimes against women and children which they felt was rising at an alarming rate in the state.
Participating in the debate against the NC, former chief minister and chief adviser to the government DD Lapang however admitted the importance of the issues raised by the opposition.
“They have raised valid suggestions and I appeal to the state government to take note on the matter,” Lapang said while also reminding the opposition to appreciate the government on improved the law and order scenario in militancy hit Garo Hills.-By Our Reporter
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