Assembly panel expresses concern over rise in drug abuse cases

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, Aug 30: The Committee on Sub-Ordite Legislation (CSL) of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on Tuesday discussed issues affecting ordiry citizens and society at large.

The Committee summoned officials of the various departments to take stock of type of services provided by them to the common citizens of the state.

Apart from the government officials, others who took part in the meeting of the Committee on Sub-Ordite Legislation include members of dorbar shnongs and NGOs.  

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the chairman of the State Assembly’s Committee on Subordite Legislation (CSL) Sanbor Shullai said that apart from civic issues like- street lighting, repair of damaged roads, traffic jams and garbage disposal, the mece of drug trafficking was also discussed with the stakeholders.

According to Shullai, the dorbar shnongs and NGOs have extended full cooperation to the police in tackling the issue.

Admitting that drug addiction and drug trafficking was reaching alarming proportions, the committee chairman informed that it will summon the Social Welfare department and other related departments in its next sitting. It was also suggested that the department concern hold regular meetings with dorbar shnongs to ensure that issues relating to crimes, drug trafficking, and theft are properly addressed.

“Police on their part have suggested the need to have regular awareness programme pocket-wise and requested the dorbar shnongs to help in organizing such programme,” Shullai informed.

Other issues which were taken up during the meeting were, traffic jam in the city, poor or non functioning streetlights in various parts of the city, the mece of stray dogs, dilapidated road conditions in Shillong city, errant cab drivers and a better waste magement plan for Shillong.

Officials of, PWD, PHE, Transport, Urban Affairs, Police, MeECL, Shillong Municipal Board and Cantonment Board were summoned by the Committee on Subordite Legislation.