Lapang urges NGOs to play constructive role

Shillong, Apr 22: Meghalaya Chief Minister D D Lapang has called upon NGOs to play a pro-active role to facilitate the overall uplift of the state.

His statement assumes significance in the backdrop of the recent agitation spearheaded by the transporters association to protest the astronomical rates fixed by the government on the High Security Registration Plate.

The NGOs could play a vital role in the development process of the state, Mr Lapang said during his address in the valedictory programme, organised by the Khatarshnong Socio Organisation at Laitmawsiang village in Sohra yesterday.

The Chief Minister said the government was making all efforts to make the state more investment-friendly in different development sectors like industries, tourism and agri-horti, adding that the growth of these sectors will indicate the economic growth of the state.

NGOs could facilitate investment in the state by creating a cordial and peaceful atmosphere, he said and appealed to the NGOs to extend their cooperation to the government in the latter's effort to bring economic development of the state.

Expressing concern over the negative impact that the agitation had left on the economy of the state and its people, Mr Lapang stated that such agitations hinder the economic growth of the state.

UNI