Nongpoh, Nov 10: Following a fresh invitation from the Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner, leaders of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) conducted another inspection of the facilitation centre at Umling today to assess the progress and preparations made by the government.
The visit was meant to review the readiness of the centre, which is expected to play a role in implementing the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) and other public services.
The inspection was led by KSU president Raymond Kharjana, vice-president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet and general secretary Reuben Najiar, accompanied by KSU Ri-Bhoi president Ferdinald Kharkamni.
The inspection was conducted in the presence of district officials, including Umling Block Development Officer Erick Dkhar, Ri-Bhoi Tourist Officer B Nongkynrih and others.
Speaking to the media after the inspection, Kharjana expressed dissatisfaction with the arrangements and preparations made at the facilitation centre. He stated that the facility fell far short of the expectations created by the Chief Minister earlier.
He said the union had expected to see substantial preparations and a properly developed facility, but was disappointed with what it witnessed during the inspection. He further expressed hope that this would be the final inspection, after which the union could finally express satisfaction with the government’s efforts. However, he said the situation remained far from satisfactory.
Kharjana also questioned the planning and allocation of space within the facility, pointing out that the area earmarked for implementing the MRSSA was relatively small, while the proposed food court occupied nearly two to three times more space.
Furthermore, the union raised questions regarding which government departments and agencies would operate from the facilitation centre. However, according to the KSU president, the officials concerned were unable to provide a clear response to these queries.
Expressing concern over the repeated assurances without visible progress, Kharjana said the issue was no longer a new matter, but had become a series of promises being made from one occasion to another without satisfactory implementation.
In view of its dissatisfaction with the latest inspection and the government’s preparations, the KSU leadership stated that the organisation would once again deliberate on the matter and consider taking further steps in the days ahead.
