Shillong, August 19: A delegation from the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly’s Estimates Committee conducted a spot inspection in the Ri-Bhoi district yesterday, scrutinizing the progress of several vital infrastructure projects. The committee has issued a clear directive, pushing for the timely completion of the long-delayed Umsning Block Development Officer’s (BDO) office.
Led by Committee Chairman and Nongpoh MLA, Mayralborn Syiem, the delegation included MLAs Wailadmiki Shylla, Remington Gabil Momin, Charles Marngar, and Adelbert Nongrum. They were also joined by local Umsning MLA, Dr. Celestine Lyngdoh, during the inspection. Officials from the PWD, PHE, and other government departments accompanied the team.
The committee’s visit focused on three key sites: the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) at Nongkhrah, the Nongpoh Polytechnic, and the under-construction BDO office at Umsning C&RD Block.
The inspection revealed significant delays in the construction of the Umsning BDO office, a project that has been pending for an extended period. After a detailed briefing from Community and Rural Development Department officials, the committee issued a firm deadline.
“The Committee has directed the concerned contractor to complete the work by November 2025, a timeline committed by the contractor and officials,” Chairman Syiem stated.
He emphasized the project’s importance, noting that once completed, the new office will “provide improved services to the public,” including headmen, Village Organisations, NGOs, and Self-Help Groups.
The committee also assessed the status of two educational projects. Syiem reported positive progress on the Nongpoh Polytechnic, which is expected to be completed in the coming months. This new facility will offer technical courses, benefiting local students.
However, the ITI project at Nongkhrah has encountered several setbacks. “The ITI project has faced delays due to issues such as approach road construction, external electrification, and water supply,” Syiem explained. He confirmed the committee has taken note of these challenges and will work with the relevant departments to ensure the project becomes functional as soon as possible.
The committee’s visit underscores the government’s push to monitor and accelerate key development projects across the state, ensuring they are completed efficiently and provide their intended benefits to the public.
