Guwahati: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday said the state needs investment from outside to expand its economy and create jobs, while announcing a fact-finding committee to examine concerns surrounding the public hearing for the proposed Shree Cement plant.
Sangma was responding to a short-duration discussion on the 10-point charter of the Voice of the People Party (VPP), moved by Nongkrem MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit in the Meghalaya Assembly.
The Chief Minister said Shree Cement, described by him as the country’s second-largest cement producer, showing interest in setting up an investment in Meghalaya was a positive development for the state.
However, he stressed that attracting investment would not mean compromising established rules or procedures.
Sangma said public hearings are intended to provide an opportunity for local residents and other stakeholders to express their views on proposed projects. He noted that participants from districts outside the project area had also attended some such hearings.
In view of the concerns raised over the process, the state government has decided to constitute a fact-finding committee to examine the issues and establish the facts, Sangma said.
He also rejected claims that bringing in outside investors amounted to handing over Meghalaya’s land or creating employment opportunities primarily for people from outside the state.
According to Sangma, the government’s approach is to promote investment and industrial development while protecting the interests of local communities and the environment.
He said all proposed investments would have to comply with the applicable laws, regulations, and prescribed procedures.