Shillong, July 30 : Meghalaya Governor, Phagu Chauhan today attended the valedictory function of the 20th Annual CPA conference, India Region, Zone-III held at the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Shillong.
Addressing the function as Chief Guest, Meghalaya Governor said that the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association is one of the oldest established organizations in the Commonwealth founded way back in 1911 with an aim to promote knowledge of the constitutional, legislative, economic, social and cultural aspects of parliamentary democracy with particular reference to the countries of the Commonwealth.
The Governor said that the agendas of the two days conference viz; Natural Disaster and Strategies for Management with special reference to the North East and Regional Connectivity to bring North East region at par with mainland India, is highly pertinent to the region.
The North-East region is prone to floods, landslides, earthquakes, which have a severe impact on the lives and property of the people, which are setbacks to the developmental process of the region. Poor connectivity in terms of road networks, railways, airports, mobile networks coverage etc., are stumbling blocks that hinders the growth and progress of the north eastern states, he added.
He hoped that the deliberation of the two days Annual Conference will generate new ideas and perspectives resulting in important policy formulation that is vital for achieving holistic development of the region and propel it to new heights.
Speaker of Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly and Chairman, CPA India Region Zone III, Pasang D. Sona, stated that good ideas and suggestions have emerged during the 2-day discourse on the topics that are crucial for the development of the North Eastern Region. He shared that the participants reached a consensus on certain suggestions, including the need for an alternate road connecting the North East region to mainland India, apart from the Siliguri Corridor also known as the ‘Chicken Neck’. He stated that there is a need for proper study of the region in regards to natural disasters so a permanent solution to the matter can be derived. Sona said that these suggestions will be documented and shared with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Affairs Headquarters in London, the CPA India Region Headquarters and Ministries concerned so they can incorporate these suggestions in their policies.
Deputy Speaker, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Timothy D. Shira presented the Vote of Thanks to all dignitaries who have attended and graced the 20th CPA India Region Zone III Conference in Shillong, Meghalaya. The Deputy Speaker expressed deep gratitude to Speaker of the Lok Sabha Om Birla for inaugurating the Conference and Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Harivansh Narayan Singh, for his presence and conducting the plenary sessions smoothly.
