No MLA has been kept on the loop about the implementation of the Chief Minister’s Housing Assistance Programme (CMHAP).
This was raised by opposition MLA Heavingstone Kharpran during a short-duration discussion in the ongoing budget session of the Assembly today.
Kharpran raised concerns over the lack of transparency in the implementation of the programme, particularly regarding the selection process for committee members overseeing the scheme. He questioned the criteria to appoint committee members and if stakeholders were consulted.
“As MLAs, we were neither informed nor included in the decision-making process,” he stated, urging the government to ensure fairness. “For the sake of good governance and fairness, MLAs should not be sidelined. As an elected representative, I feel like a mere spectator. It’s not just me— even the MLA from Mawlai has been ignored,” he added.
Echoing similar concerns, Congress MLA from Mylliem, Ronnie V. Lyngdoh, revealed that his proposal in 2023 to include MLAs in the housing committee was rejected without explanation. “If an MLA’s suggestions are disregarded in this manner, how are we supposed to serve the people? We talk about supporting the poor, but this contradicts that very principle,” Lyngdoh said.
Leader of Opposition Dr. Mukul Sangma stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in executing the CMHAP.
“Public funds must be utilized for the public good. While the initiative is commendable, its implementation raises concerns. Without transparency, accountability is compromised, creating risks of misutilisation and corruption,” Sangma stated.
He called on the government to reveal the number of households that had benefited from the scheme over the past five years, highlighting that many MLAs remained uninformed about its execution.
“When members of this House are unaware of the beneficiaries or the selection process, it signals a serious lack of openness. Transparency and accountability must be at the core of government programmes,” he added.
Mawlai MLA Brightstarwell Marbaniang also voiced his frustration, revealing that he had submitted a proposal last year for a block-level housing selection and monitoring committee but received no response from the minister. He stated that as elected representatives, their exclusion undermines the very essence of democracy.
In response, Minister Marcuise Marak said CMHAP had replaced the Rural Housing Scheme (RHS) in 2017. Under the scheme beneficiaries received three bundles of Corrugated Galvanized Iron (CGI) sheets as grant-in-aid. However, the scheme’s limited reach and slow implementation led to its discontinuation.
The programme targets both rural and urban areas, with allocations determined based on population, household numbers, and socio-economic disparity. The programme aims to provide durable roofing materials to economically weaker sections and financial assistance of Rs 75,000 to low-income families.
Beneficiaries should be bona fide residents of Meghalaya, residing in stabilised villages, falling under the economically weaker section, and having an annual income below Rs 1 lakh. He said preference is given to vulnerable groups, including differently-abled individuals, scheduled castes and tribes, senior citizens, and single mothers. “As far as possible, property titles under the scheme are given in the name of women,” he said.
The beneficiaries are selected by the Block-Level and Urban-Level Housing Selection and Monitoring Committees, which then forward their recommendations to the District Housing Committee for final approval. Each committee consists of government officials and nominated non-official members, including traditional heads and women representatives.
Marak acknowledged that only the first component of the scheme—providing roofing materials—was currently being implemented, while financial assistance for dwelling houses had been provided in limited cases, specifically in South West Garo Hills during 2017-18. He assured the Assembly that the department was working to address challenges and improve implementation.
“As the department evolves, we aim to adopt sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches in housing development. We are open to new ideas and remain committed to serving the poor and needy,” he stated, expressing hope that the scheme would be effectively implemented for the benefit of people across Meghalaya.
