Meghalaya Assembly Witnesses Unique Husband-Wife Exchange Over Livestock Education
The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly experienced a rare and heartwarming moment on Tuesday as Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma engaged in a constructive policy debate with his wife, National People's Party (NPP) legislator Mehtab Chandee A Sangma. The exchange centered on stalled livestock education projects that were approved by the state cabinet back in 2022 but have faced significant implementation delays.
MLA Mehtab Raises Concerns About Project Delays
During the crucial Question Hour session, Gambegre legislator Mehtab Chandee A Sangma sought detailed clarity from the government regarding the progress of multiple livestock education institutions. She specifically questioned the status of a proposed veterinary college, two fishery colleges, and a dairy college that received cabinet approval two years ago but have shown little visible advancement since.
The legislator also highlighted critical manpower shortages affecting existing veterinary training centers across Meghalaya, emphasizing how these staffing gaps undermine the state's capacity to support its substantial livestock-rearing population. Her questions reflected growing concerns among constituents about the government's follow-through on important agricultural education commitments.
Chief Minister's Detailed Response and Explanations
Responding on behalf of the government, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma acknowledged the questions with a smile before providing comprehensive explanations for the delays. He emphasized that the proposed institutions were strategically planned to strengthen Meghalaya's livestock sector, which engages a significant portion of the state's population.
"These were the three colleges which we have decided because of the urgent need, keeping in mind that a large population of the state is engaged in livestock rearing," the chief minister stated during the Assembly proceedings.
Regarding the manpower shortages raised by his wife, Sangma acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, stating: "It is definitely a matter of concern. Steps are being taken to ensure the manpower shortage is filled up at the earliest." He assured the House that filling these critical vacancies would be treated as an administrative priority.
Project Details and Implementation Challenges
The chief minister provided specific details about the veterinary college project, revealing that approximately 800 acres have been identified at Kyrdemkulai in Ri-Bhoi district for the institution. The ambitious project carries an estimated cost of about Rs 334 crore and will feature 19 specialized departments once completed.
Sangma explained that the delay in preparing detailed project reports (DPRs) resulted from complex logistical challenges, including:
- Comprehensive land identification processes
- Detailed planning for manpower requirements
- Financial considerations for large-scale infrastructure
"We have concerns as the financial requirement is quite large," he admitted, while simultaneously assuring Assembly members that the government would make concerted efforts to fast-track the implementation process moving forward.
A Notable Moment in Assembly Proceedings
The exchange between the chief minister and his legislator wife created a distinctive moment in the Assembly's proceedings, drawing attention for its cordial tone and substantive focus on policy matters rather than personal dynamics. Observers noted how the interaction demonstrated professional decorum while addressing genuine public concerns about agricultural education infrastructure.
This husband-wife legislative dialogue highlighted how elected representatives can maintain professional boundaries while effectively representing their constituents' interests, even when family relationships intersect with political responsibilities. The discussion ultimately brought renewed attention to Meghalaya's livestock education challenges and the government's plans to address them through specialized institutional development.
