JNC demands Govt to speed up completion of Jowai market and mini secretariat at Jowai

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 7, 2023

The Jaintia National Council (JNC) on Wednesday demanded the State government to speed up the completion of the much-awaited Jowai market and mini secretariat in the district headquarter of West Jaintia Hills.

In a memorandum submitted to the deputy chief minister in-charge urban affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar, JNC said, “(We) earnestly request your esteemed office to kindly look into these issues that is the completion of Jowai market (Iawmusiang)’ and ‘Mini Secretariat’ at Jowai, West Jaintia Hills District and for the functioning of both the residential schools and a Teachers Training Centre in East Jaintia Hills District.”

“Furthermore, operating a Teachers Training Centre in East Jaintia Hills District is the utmost need, especially during the transitional period of New Education Policy (NEP) 2020,” it added.

The JNC said that the proposal for the re-development of the Jowai market was sanctioned at a total of Rs 20.09 crore by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER), of which the first instalment amounting to Rs 6.33 crores was released.

The construction work of the market was stopped and since then it has been lying pending for over a decade. This has affected and dislocated the livelihood activities of the people who are depending on the market.

“In this connection, we deeply urged upon your esteemed office to look into the matter and to initiate new steps by sanctioning fund from the State Government for speedy completion for the re-development of Jowai market (Iawmusiang),” it said.

The JNC had also reminded that the State Government had proposed to establish a Mini Secretariat (Integrated Development Complex) in every district with an aim to bring the administration closer to the people.

Jowai’s Mini Secretariat foundation laid to pave way for govt shopping mall

Interestingly, after the shifting of the PWD, Jowai North Division to Shangpung, chief minister Conrad Sangma had laid down a foundation stone on December 3, 2022 for establishment of the Mini Secretariat at Jowai. Accordingly the State Government has sanctioned Rs 19.83 crore for construction of the same because the present location of the DC office is located adjacent to the market and in the middle of the town which disturbed movement of people. Besides that it has no spacious place for parking.

“Therefore, the JNC is of the view that speedy construction of the Mini Secretariat at Jowai will ease the problems faced by the people. And also by completing the Mini Secretariat, it will benefit the people of the district as they will have access to all the departments under one roof,” it said while urging the deputy CM to initiate the construction work or to start functioning the Mini Secretariat at the existing building of erstwhile PWD Jowai North Division on temporary basis.