SHILLONG, MAY 26: Cabinet minister and Jowai MLA Wailadmiki Shylla has highlighted the MDA government’s development work in Jaintia Hills and said Meghalaya needs an MP who can “actively pursue the state’s priorities in Delhi,” while campaigning for NPP candidate Dr DRL Nonglait for the Shillong Lok Sabha byelection.

“The MDA is a government that listens to the people and understands their hardships,” Shylla said at Chilliangraij Dorbar Hall on Monday.

“Look across Jaintia Hills today — new roads are everywhere. Not just in Nartiang or Jowai, but in every constituency.”

Shylla said Rs 23-24 crore was invested to upgrade Kiang Nangbah Stadium, now being developed as an athletic facility. Football turf has been completed at Amlarem, Khliehriat and Shangpung, with projects at Mukhla Sohshrieh, Wapung and Sutnga nearing completion.

Hosting the Meghalaya Games also brought upgrades to Chilliangraij indoor hall, the MDC hostel and Jowai Polytechnic.

He cited support to Thomas Jones, Nongtalang, Shangpung and East Jaintia community colleges, and a new government college sanctioned at Jalaphet.

“Earlier, teachers protested outside the secretariat. Now you will not see such protests, because the government has given them structured pay,” he said.

On health, Rs 53 crore has been sanctioned to upgrade Ummulong CHC into an Integrated Hospital.

Shylla credited the government for starting Shillong Medical College, which will produce 50 doctors annually, with Tura Medical College expected to add 150 more this year.

“Six to seven years ago, our budget was Rs 13,000-14,000 crore. Today it is Rs 30,000 crore,” he said.

Stressing the need for an MP, he added, “We need our own MP in Delhi to follow up on the state’s requirements, especially inclusion of Khasi in the Eighth Schedule. The Assembly passed a unanimous resolution, but approval rests with the Centre.”

“Elected representatives cannot just talk. You elected us to work and deliver development. That is why we need MPs who will pursue matters with the Centre,” he said.

Shylla said the current political situation gives smaller states leverage. “The BJP is in a tight situation now. Our one MP also has power. Recently, they arranged a private jet for our Rajya Sabha MP to vote on an urgent bill. If you elect Dr Nonglait, we will have two MPs in Delhi.”

Calling the job reservation policy “very sensitive,” he said, “Earlier, Khasi, Jaintia and Garo had 80%. Who will be affected if that drops to 50%? The cabinet is discussing it. We cannot just take to the streets.”

To boost tourism, a convention centre has been sanctioned at Mukhla.

He also announced the first nursing college in West Jaintia Hills, Rs 2 crore annual aid to Thomas Jones College, and Rs 2 crore to Dr Tunnel Hospital — the first such aid to a private hospital.

He said Jowai Municipal Board, once “nearly dormant,” now pays salaries on time and runs SHG schemes. Dorbar shnongs now get Rs 5 crore from the urban department, up from Rs 30 lakh earlier.

Shylla listed the Jowai Water Supply Scheme, B.Ed college at Kiang Nangbah College, Mother and Child Hospital, and the Iawmusiang market — sanctioned Rs 20 crore and nearing completion — as long-pending projects finished under the MDA. A mini secretariat in Jowai will also be inaugurated soon.

“Our policy is talk less, walk more,” Shylla said, urging voters to back Dr Nonglait.

“When he wins, please remember Jowai constituency, because we will need him to help and guide us.”