Shillong, Aug 25: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday defended the government’s policy of attracting outside investment saying it was needed for jobs, while announcing a fact-finding committee into concerns over public hearing for proposed Shree Cement project.
He was replying to a short-duration discussion on VPP’s 10-point charter moved by party chief Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit.
Sangma said Meghalaya needs outside investment for economic activity and employment, but it must comply with all laws and environmental norms.
On Shree Cement, he said it is the country’s second-largest cement company and its investment should be seen in terms of economic opportunities.
He acknowledged concerns over the public hearing, saying hearings are meant for stakeholders, landowners and surrounding areas, but there were instances where people from other districts participated.
In view of concerns, the government has decided to constitute a fact-finding committee to examine all issues related to the hearing. He said the government would follow the prescribed procedures and would not bypass legal or regulatory requirements.
Countering criticism that the government is allowing outsiders to take over land and opportunities, Sangma said investment should not be equated with selling land.
Objective is to create employment, he said, while protecting people and the environment. Economic policy must be seen for wider impact as investments benefit other local sectors.
He cited programmes for farmers, artists, SHGs, homestays and tourism vehicles as local opportunities. Over 3.6 lakh livelihood opportunities have been created since 2019 and around 50,000 wage and self-employment opportunities for youth in the last 3 years, he said.
Government approach is to balance investment, environment, land interests and employment, he added.
