Will decide on support to industries: CM

By our Reporter

SHILLONG, MAR 17: Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma today informed that the state government is likely take a decision on whether to support industries which continues to “bleed” and “drain” the state exchequer.

“We will have to take some bold decisions on whether to support such industries which continue to bleed and drain the public exchequer,” Sangma told the Assembly.

Sangma was replying to a call attention notice brought by UDP legislator from Sohra Titosstarwell Chyne pertaining to the problems faced by the Mawmluh Cherra Cements Limited (MCCL).

According to him, it is high time that the state government look at what should its priorities and decide how to utilize the resources which are limited.

However stating that the government will ensure that the MCCL functions, he reiterated that the need to take decision on whether the government will continue to do something which “it is not good at”.

Claiming that it is proven all over the world that running business is not supposed to be a government job, he said it is supposed to be done by private investors and government’s role is only to facilitate, support and have effective policy.

“In due course of time if we want to have real an effective, professional and competitive MCCL we will have to bring in private players and also look at possibility of investment and ensure it becomes more efficient,” Sangma added.

He added, “The fact is because these types of hiccups will continue to happen if it is a government company whether it is MCCL, whether it is MeECL and whether it is MTC… there has to be a time when we have to say enough is enough.”

Referring to the amount of money spent to save such industries from bleeding, he was of the opinion that the money (invested on MCCL alone) could have been utilized for the benefit of Sohra area, which is known as famous tourist spot.

On the other hand, the chief minister also stated that if the production of MCCL is increased more and more trucks will go and this will only “deter” the high end tourists to like to visist Sohra.

He however said nevertheless because something has been initiated and therefore people dependency on MCCL is there but it is also true that people of Sohra could have been more benefited and prosperous had it potentiality being realized to the optimum.