Shillong ( Meghalaya), July 30 : The 20 th Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association India Region Zone III, hosted by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, reached its conclusion today.
Presiding officers of northeastern states, parliamentarians, legislators, commissioners and secretaries/secretaries of legislative assemblies of northeastern states participated in the Conference.
During the second day of the conference, deliberations continued on natural disasters and strategies for management with special reference to Northeast and regional connectivity to bring Northeast at par with mainland India.
The plenary session, chaired by Chairman of CPA India Region Zone III Assembly Speaker of Arunachal Pradesh, Pasang D Sona, and Vice Chairman of CPA India Region Zone III Assembly Speaker of Meghalaya, Thomas A Sangma, was marked by insightful discussions and constructive contributions from participants.
The event culminated with a valedictory function. Governor of Meghalaya, Phagu Chauhan, attended the valedictory function as the Chief Guest.
In his address, the Governor said that the agendas discussed in the two-day Conference, on natural disasters and strategies for management with special reference to Northeast Region, and regional connectivity to bring Northeast Region at par with mainland India, are two crucial topics, highly pertinent to the Northeastern region.
He hoped that through the deliberations, new ideas and perspectives have emerged that would result in important policy formulations that are required to achieve holistic development of the region and propel it to new heights.
In his remark, Speaker of Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly and Chairman, CPA India Region Zone III, Pasang D. Sona, stated that good ideas and suggestions have emerged during the 2-day discourse on the topics that are crucial for the development of the Northeastern Region.
He shared that the participants reached to a consensus on certain suggestions, including the need for an alternate road connecting the Northeast region to mainland India, apart from the Siliguri Corridor also known as the ‘Chicken Neck’.
He stated that there is a need for proper study of the region with regard to natural disasters so a permanent solution to the matter can be derived.
Sona said that these suggestions will be documented and shared with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Affairs Headquarters in London, the CPA India Region Headquarters and Ministries concerned so they can incorporate these suggestions in their policies.
Deputy Speaker, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Timothy D Shira presented the Vote of Thanks to all participants who have attended and graced the 20 th CPA India Region Zone III Conference here,
The Deputy Speaker expressed deep gratitude to Hon’ble Speaker of the Lok Sabha Om Birla for inaugurating the Conference and Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Harivansh Narayan Singh, for his presence and conducting the plenary sessions smoothly.
The conference was followed by a cultural programme and dinner hosted by the Governor of Meghalaya, Phagu Chauhan, at Raj Bhavan.
On Monday, the delegates will be given a tour and sightseeing of Sohra, where Speaker of Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Thomas A. Sangma, will host a Lunch at Jiva Resort, Sohra.