Shillong, Jul 31: The resolution to ban uranium mining in Meghalaya will be taken up in the Assembly on August 25 during the upcoming Autumn Session, Speaker Thomas A. Sangma said on Friday.
He said all members wishing to participate will be given ample opportunity to speak during the discussion.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma had earlier announced that the government would move to formally oppose and ban uranium mining to clear doubts over its stand. The issue has remained sensitive for decades amid opposition from communities and civil society groups over concerns of environment, health and indigenous land rights.
Meanwhile, a day after the Chief Minister announced that the session of the Assembly will be held in Tura, the Speaker said that he will be the happiest person if it is so.
The Speaker said that having one Assembly session in Garo Hills will send a good message to the people of Meghalaya.
The business advisory committee (BAC) of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly decided that the Autum Session will be held from August 24 to August 28.
The meeting was chaired by the Speaker and attended by the Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Leader of the Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma, Opposition Chief Whip Charles Pyngrope, Secretary of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Malthus S Sangma and other members.
Informing about the session details, the Speaker stated that the five-day session will comprise three days of government business and two days of private members’ business.
Addressing concerns over the session’s duration, the Speaker assured he would try to accommodate both treasury and opposition members to raise issues of public importance.
