'WGSCP report to be submitted by Sept-end'

Shillong, Aug 9: Working Group on Shillong Civic Poll (WGSCP) Chairman R L Tariang is likely to submit the final report on the civic election to Meghalaya government by September end.

Addressing mediapersons after the sixth WGSCP meeting here yesterday, Mr Tariang said the poll was significant in view of implementation of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewable Mission (JNNURM).

Earlier, the Centre had denied any funds for the projects under the JNNURM as there was no permanent Shillong Municipal Board (SMB), he pointed out.

WGSCP member secretary W L Lyngdoh also said the Centre had agreed to release the first installment of funds for two projects under the JNNURM after signing an MoU with the state government on the detailed projects report (DPR).

The DPR on drainage system under Shillong Master Plan and housing units to the economically weak and low-income group had been submitted to the Union Urban Affiars ministry.

Mr Lyngdoh, also CEO of the SMB, the project for drainage under Shillong Master Plan is estimated at Rs 84.94 crore and that for housing units Rs 19 crore.

The last poll to the SMB was held in 1967. In 2000, the election failed following oppositions from various organisations and in 2000 nobody filed the nomination papers arguing that it could dilute the powers of traditional heads in the state.

Meanwhile, Mr Tariang said the WGSCP had decided to start the election process immediately.

He also said the process of holding election to the SMB would be completed by September 2008.

UNI