The Committee on Petitions of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on Tuesday organised an awareness programme at the Batabari Community and Rural Development Block under Rajabala Constituency in West Garo Hills district to strengthen public awareness about the Committee’s role and provide a platform for citizens to voice their grievances.
The programme was chaired by Shri Pongseng R. Marak, MLA and Chairman of the Committee on Petitions. It was attended by Committee members Shri Sanjay Sangma, Shri Charles Marngar, Shri Brightstarwell Marbaniang, Shri Remington Gabil Momin, Dr. Mizanur Rahman Kazi, officials of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Village Employment Council functionaries, representatives of NGOs, Nokmas, students, and members of the public.
Addressing the gathering, Chairman Shri Pongseng R. Marak said the awareness programme was organised to educate citizens about the functioning of the Committee on Petitions and its role in addressing public concerns. He stated that the interaction enabled residents to place several issues before the Committee, which would be taken up for appropriate consideration.
He informed that the major concerns raised by the public related to the functioning of the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) and road connectivity in the area.
Speaking on the occasion, Committee member Dr. Mizanur Rahman Kazi highlighted the importance of involving students in such programmes, describing them as the pillars of society and future agents of positive change.
He explained that the Committee on Petitions is an important component of the legislative process of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and serves as a bridge between citizens and the government by examining petitions and representations concerning public grievances.
Dr. Kazi said the Committee provides an avenue for citizens to seek redress when their concerns remain unresolved through other channels. During the interaction, residents raised issues relating to alleged overbilling and erratic electricity supply by SAI Computers, the power distribution company operating in the area.
The public also expressed concern over the poor condition of National Highway-127B connecting Phulbari, Rajabala and Selsella.
Dr. Kazi assured the gathering that the Committee would carefully examine all grievances placed before it and take appropriate decisions in the best interest of the people before conveying its recommendations to the Government.
Shri Remington Gabil Momin also spoke during the awareness programme.
Later after the awareness programme all the members of the Committee on Petition interacted with the public and patiently listened to their grievances and assured to take them up.