On verge of completion: Shylla says 108 decision soon, regularisation issue remains

By - Admin 12 Jun, 2026 Comments (0) 2 Mins Read

Give us time to complete scientific mining process: Shylla to people SHILLONG, JUL 26: Sutnga-Saipung MLA Santa Mary Shylla has credited the NPP-led state government with initiating scientific mining in East Jaintia Hills, and called for public patience as the administration works to operationalize it fully. Speaking at an election campaign for NPP Shillong Lok Sabha candidate Dr DRL Nonglait at Sutnga, Shylla said coal mining in the region came to a halt after the 2014 ban, but the present government had taken concrete steps to resume extraction through scientific methods. "It is only this NPP-led government that has been able to bring scientific mining to our region," she said. "Open cast mining is not feasible in our area, so we are focusing on scientific mining." She noted that Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has been leading efforts to streamline the process. However, she cautioned that establishing a proper framework would take time. "From 2014 till today we have not yet reached the goal of having proper scientific mining in place. The government has already taken steps and is working on how to allow coal mining to resume. I request that you give us time to work on it," the MLA added. Shylla said the government had prioritized livelihood issues linked to coal, along with broader development needs. She urged voters to recognize the administration’s efforts and extend continued support to the NPP. "We have tried to help you. I urge you to look at the good work done by this government. I request your strong support so that this NPP-led government can bring a lot more development," she said. The legislator also flagged underdevelopment in border areas of her constituency, stating that proximity to Bangladesh has compounded local challenges and requires focused intervention. Ahead of the upcoming byelection, Shylla appealed to the electorate to vote for the NPP candidate and asked the future MP to take up the coal mining issue in Parliament. "We, the people of this region, earn our livelihood from coal mining. I urge you that if you become our MP, please speak about the difficulties faced by the people in East Jaintia Hills," she said.

SHILLONG, JUN 12: Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla on Friday said the government’s review of the 108-emergency ambulance service is nearing completion, but a final decision on staff regularisation is still pending.

Addressing reporters, Shylla said the study commissioned to examine the service model is in its last stage. “We are almost on the verge of completion. As I informed earlier, we had sent the matter for study on how we can safeguard the interests of the employees at the same time,” he said.

The Minister added that the government will meet 108 staff and officials after the study is complete to decide the way forward.

“Very soon we will sit with the department along with the 108 staff to take any decision,” he stated.

On the staff’s repeated memorandums seeking regularisation, Shylla said most of their concerns have been addressed.

“We have received memorandums from time to time from them. From the government’s side, almost 50-60 percent of their concerns have been taken care of, except for the regularisation part. That is the major part where the government has not been able to take a decision yet,” he said.

He explained that the delay stems from the fiscal implications of regularising the workforce. “That is why we are trying to find ways where it will not burden the exchequer, while also protecting the interests of the employees,” Shylla added.

The Minister acknowledged that uncertainty over the service’s future structure has slowed expansion plans.

“The service is continuing. But until we have a final decision, there is no certainty on continuation. That is why the government is also in a hesitation mode regarding expansion, until and unless we are able to finalise a decision,” he said.

However, he stressed that emergency services remain unaffected for now. “There is an impact, but not that much. As of now, they are working and giving service to the people,” Shylla said.