A rare husband-wife exchange unfolded on the Assembly floor in Meghalaya on Wednesday. The debate added unusual political intrigue to an otherwise policy-driven discussion. NPP MLA Mehtab Chandee A Sangma raised questions directed at Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma. She sought clarity regarding livestock education projects approved three years ago.
Although the tone remained measured, the exchange drew significant attention inside the House. Consequently, members witnessed a pointed yet composed debate between the legislator couple.
Questions on Livestock Education Projects
Mehtab Chandee A Sangma focused on projects cleared by the cabinet in 2022. She asked about the status of a proposed veterinary college in the state. Additionally, she raised concerns regarding two fishery colleges and a dairy college. She also highlighted manpower shortages in veterinary training centres across Meghalaya.
According to her, the delay in implementing these projects has affected rural employment prospects. Moreover, she stressed the importance of strengthening livestock education infrastructure. Therefore, her intervention placed livestock development at the centre of legislative attention.
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Chief Minister Responds in the House
Responding on behalf of the government, Conrad K Sangma explained the rationale behind the institutions. He stated that the colleges were conceived to strengthen Meghalaya’s livestock sector. He emphasized that a significant portion of the state’s population engages in livestock rearing. Consequently, he argued that such educational institutions remain essential for sustainable rural growth.
On the issue of staff shortages in veterinary centres, he acknowledged the concern openly. Furthermore, he assured the House that the government will treat vacancy filling as a priority. “It is definitely a matter of concern,” he stated. He added that steps are underway to address manpower gaps swiftly.
Delays in Detailed Project Reports
The discussion then shifted toward delays in preparing detailed project reports. Mehtab Chandee A Sangma questioned why DPRs had taken considerable time. In response, the chief minister cited land identification challenges and manpower assessments. He explained that these processes required careful evaluation before finalisation.
Moreover, he pointed out that large-scale infrastructure projects demand thorough planning. Therefore, the government took time to assess feasibility and resource requirements. However, he assured members that efforts would be made to fast-track remaining procedures.
Veterinary College Plan at Kyrdemkulai
The proposed veterinary college formed a major part of the debate. Around 800 acres have been identified at Kyrdemkulai in Ri-Bhoi district. The project carries an estimated cost of approximately Rs 334 crore. Additionally, the college is planned to house 19 departments once completed.
The chief minister admitted that the financial requirement remains substantial. Consequently, the government continues evaluating funding strategies for the institution. “We have concerns as the financial requirement is quite large,” he stated. Nevertheless, he reiterated commitment to advancing the proposal.
Livestock Sector and Rural Employment
The exchange brought the livestock sector into sharper focus. Both legislators acknowledged its importance for rural livelihoods across Meghalaya. Livestock rearing supports a large segment of the population. Therefore, strengthening veterinary and fishery education could improve productivity and income levels.
Mehtab Chandee A Sangma argued that delays hamper skill development opportunities. Moreover, she stressed that educational institutions could reduce unemployment in rural areas. In response, Conrad K Sangma maintained that the government recognizes these needs. Consequently, he promised to accelerate institutional development.
Manpower Shortages Raise Concern
The debate also highlighted manpower shortages in veterinary training centres. Mehtab Chandee A Sangma emphasized the urgent need for trained professionals. She argued that without adequate staff, existing facilities struggle to deliver effective services. Furthermore, she linked staffing gaps to slower sectoral growth.
The chief minister agreed that vacancies require immediate attention. He assured that recruitment processes will move forward with priority. Therefore, the discussion underscored both infrastructural and human resource challenges.
Beyond policy matters, the debate carried symbolic significance. It marked one of the rare instances where a legislator publicly questioned her spouse in the Assembly. However, both maintained decorum and focused on substantive issues. Consequently, the exchange reflected democratic accountability within institutional frameworks. Members observed the interaction with interest. Nevertheless, the discussion remained grounded in governance and public welfare concerns.
Broader Implications
The Assembly session highlighted the importance of transparent debate on development projects. Moreover, it showcased how legislative scrutiny can drive policy urgency. Livestock education, rural employment and institutional expansion remain central themes. Therefore, the government now faces expectations to convert assurances into action.
The proposed colleges aim to address structural gaps in training and research. Additionally, improved infrastructure could strengthen Meghalaya’s rural economy. As deliberations continue, the focus remains on implementation timelines and funding mechanisms. Consequently, the debate has placed livestock education firmly on the state’s policy agenda.
