Purno Sangma opts for a crucial job
Purno Agitok Sangma, a veteran politician, Nationalist Congress Party leader and former Lok Sabha Speaker, who opted for return to the state politics, has a very important and crucial role to play in Meghalaya. With formation of the Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA), which took the rein of state administration on March 19 last, Sangma has the responsibility to head the State Planning Board. The post of the Chairman of the Planning Board is considered to the rank of the Chief Minister.
The MPA is an alliance of 31 members, in which the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is the largest partner with 14 members. The United Democratic Party (UDP) has 11and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) only one. The rest include three members from 2 regional parties and Independent members 2. These members of Meghalaya House have a clear and deep understanding that Donkupar Roy to be the Chief Minister of the State for the first two and a half years and for the rest period NCP leader Sangma would hold the post.
Having decided not to play an active part in governance just at the beginning, Sangma opted for the post of Chairman of the State Planning Board. He has plans to turn the organization into a two-tier professional body within the shortest period of three months. He would also try to make the Planning Board as the Meghalaya Planning Commission on the lines of Planning Commission of India.
With his experience and good relations in various circles of the state and in New Delhi, he is confident of bringing the state on the forefront of development. The development of the state needs a dedicated, sustained and professional effort. Although the teething trouble has started in the state cabinet due to 'unfair distribution' of portfolios among the ministers, the people have shown their faith in the new government and the leadership of Roy and Sangma. The time is ahead for them to show performance. The troubled state needs an atmosphere of peace and efforts to bring it would be the priority of the new government. Stability of the new government depends only on its performing well. That is why Sangma has opted for the post of SPB chief, knowingly well that it would be one of the toughest jobs for him. By the time he assumes the office of the chief minister, his efforts are likely to bring results.
Pics: UB Photos
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