Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 791/04

GOVERNOR INUAGURATES FIRST MEETING OF THE RE-CONSTITUTED MEDC

The Meghalaya Governor, Mr. M M Jacob today formally inaugurated the first meeting of the Re-Constituted Meghalaya Economic Development Council (MEDC) at the Conference Room of the Main Secretariat Building, Shillong. The meeting was also attended by the Meghalaya Chief Minister and the Chairman of the MEDC, Dr. D D Lapang, Deputy Chief Minister and member of the MEDC, Dr. Don Kupar Roy, Co-Chairman of the MEDC, Mr. R G Lyngdoh, Ministers, Government officials and Member of the MEDC.

Speaking on the occasion as the Chief Guest, Mr. Jacob informed that the MEDC was created by Resolution adopted by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in its sitting on the September 18, 1995. He also added that the Council was created against the backdrop of the new Liberalization Policy announced by the Government of India then with the view for the Council to address itself to the task of taking advantage of Liberalization to exploit ways and means for accelerating the process of economic and industrial development of the State.

Mr. Jacob further stated that with the Re-Constitution of the MEDC, it is expected that the Council will chalk up innovative strategies for all round economic development of the State and its particular to improve the quality of life in both rural and urban areas. Mr. Jacob further hoped that the MEDC would focuses on thrust areas and pinpoint schemes, which will have short gestation period while providing sustainable employment.

The Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr. Lapang in his speech said that during the last 32 years, the State has invested heavily on physical and social infrastructure development such as education, road, electricity and agriculture development, which has created a base for up- gradation of the economy of the State, adding that the growth rate of the State as projected by the Planning Commission for the Tenth Plan period is 6.3% as against national growth rate target of 8%. Dr. Lapang also said that this growth is primarily being due to n expanding service/tertiary sector, he further asserted that one of the major constraint to the economic development in the State is the lack of infrastructure, inefficient management of its natural resources and poor road communication, he also added that the impact of global liberalization is also being felt in the State. Dr. Lapang further added that the State can create a suitable climate for private investment and the State has opened its doors to private sector. On peace and prosperity, Dr. Lapang said that there is a strong feeling that while the region is exploited, commensurate efforts for development has not taken place in a corresponding manner. He further said that the State is enriched with abundant natural resources including mineral and vast potential of generating power.

Dr. Lapang also stated that the geographical position of the State is such that it could emerged as a hub of trade activities and a transit point in the manner of trade and commerce with ASEAN countries and also Bangladesh, he also added that the economic scenario of the State at present is far from being satisfactory and it is precisely from this reason that a resolution was passed by the State Assembly recommending constitution of the MEDC.

Earlier, the Co-Chairman of the MEDC, Mr. R G Lyngdoh in his welcome speech said that the Council was set up to blaze a trail for the rapid economic development of the State. He also said that the council has rightly done, is to provide a forum where hands stretched out in accusation of each other can be transformed into hands stretched out in cooperation with each other. He further stated that we must accept that the main causes of militancy is the growing frustration among the youth, this sense of frustration stems from the inability of the youth to see a productive future for themselves.

Mr. Lyngdoh also added that the educational system has to seriously address the need for vocational guidance, so that the aptitudes and skills of each child is analyzed before a seat for studies is allotted to the students. Lyngdoh also asserted that another factor that has detrimental affect on our State, is the large scale migration from rural to urban area, adding this phenomenon has it’s roots in the flailing rural economy.Other who spoke on the occasion were Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Don Kupar Roy, Acting Chief Secretary, Mr. J M Mauskar and Commissioner Secretary, Planning, Mr. P S Thankhiew.