SHILLONG : Meghalaya State Planning Board (MSPB) member and UDP MLA from Mawsynram, Olan Sing Suin, on Wednesday dismissed claims that the board serves as a platform to accommodate politicians, asserting that its primary role is to advise the government and ensure schemes are implemented effectively.
Speaking to the media, Suin clarified that the planning board does not execute projects but functions purely in an advisory capacity. He emphasized that implementation is carried out by concerned departments, while the board provides recommendations to improve outcomes.
“The planning board is not implementing anything. Our role is only to advise the government and departments on possible interventions and improvements,” he said, adding that consultants are engaged by implementing agencies and not by the board itself.
Suin informed that the board, chaired by AT Mondal, has already held two meetings to review the performance of various government programmes. These meetings focused on identifying challenges, gaps, and areas requiring corrective measures.
“We review different departments on the programmes they are implementing, understand the problems faced, and suggest what corrections are needed to ensure schemes move in the right direction,” he stated.
Addressing criticism that the board is meant for political rehabilitation, Suin said such perceptions undermine its purpose. “If it is only for rehabilitation, then it has no meaning. We are here to plan and ensure that all schemes are implemented properly across the state,” he added.
He also highlighted that experts are actively involved in the planning process alongside board members, strengthening decision-making and policy guidance.
On the issue of traffic congestion in Shillong, Suin noted a visible improvement in recent months, attributing it to new and upgraded road infrastructure. He said the board has worked with the police and the home department to address traffic challenges in the city.
According to him, the newly opened road near Anjalee petrol pump has helped remove a major bottleneck, while the near-completion of the Upper Shillong–Umshyrpi road has further eased traffic flow.
Sharing his personal experience, Suin said travel time from Shillong to Upper Shillong has reduced significantly. “Earlier it used to take about an hour, but now it takes only 15–20 minutes. The improvement in traffic congestion over the past month is clearly visible,” he said.
The MSPB continues to play a key advisory role in ensuring that development schemes across Meghalaya are effectively planned and implemented.