Despite Financial Challenges, Demand For Winter Capital In Meghalaya Is Worth Consideration | Opinion
This week, the Meghalaya government notified the formation of an all-party committee to examine the long-standing issue of establishing Tura as the winter capital of the northeastern state. According to the notification, the all-party committee is to be headed either by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma or by a minister appointed by him. The relevant government departments are invited to participate in the discussions. Apart from this, all political parties are invited to send two representatives each.
A Long-Standing Demand
The demand for a winter capital in Tura isn't new. This demand dates back to the state's statehood movement in 1972. Many leaders then wanted to have both Shillong and Tura as the capitals of the state. However, even after five decades, this dream remains unfulfilled.
At different times, this demand has been raised by political leaders and groups. Recently, the Leader of the Opposition, Mukul Sangma, who is the Trinamool Congress’s face in the state, moved a proposal in the state assembly to consider the demand of making Tura the winter capital. Several Garo Hills-based groups like the Garoland State Movement Committee (GSMC), A’chik State People's Front (ASPF), and A’chik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM) have, at various times, raised this issue.
Ethnic Sentiments Spurred Demand
It is important to understand that the state is ethnically divided into three main groups: Khasis, Garos, and Jaintias. These ethnic groups have their own issues.
Since the establishment of Meghalaya as a full-fledged state in 1972, Shillong, situated in the Khasi Hills, has been functioning as the capital city of the state. This, however, has caused some dissent among the Garos of the state.
The Garos feel that with Shillong functioning as the capital of the state, they have been deprived of development, with the Khasis benefiting the most. This is the reason the Garos are demanding Tura, located in the Garo Hills, as the winter capital of the state.
Disparities In Development
It's a fact that Shillong remains economically developed, with top-level educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and business hubs. Take the example of NEIGRIHMS (North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Medical Sciences), which is one of the best medical institutes in the Northeast, situated in Shillong.
Among the top educational institutions in the region Shillong has the National Institute of Technology Meghalaya (NIT Meghalaya) and North Eastern Hill University (NEHU).
On the other hand, Tura, the most important urban centre of the Garo people, lags behind in terms of development. It doesn't have top-tier educational, healthcare, or business hubs like Shillong. It doesn't receive the proportional investment that Shillong gets. This creates a regional imbalance. This is reflected in terms of development and job creation. Also, traveling from Tura to Shillong is challenging given the rugged terrain.
It is this regional imbalance, when mixed with ethnic sentiments, that drives the Garos to demand a winter capital in Tura. They believe that if Tura becomes the winter capital, the region is likely to witness increased development, with more investment pouring in and the region gaining top-tier educational and healthcare facilities.
Is Climate Also A Factor?
During the winter season, Tura is less cold than Shillong, which experiences a chilly winter. This is also a reason why some are demanding to shift the capital from Shillong to Tura during the winter.
Interestingly, the original idea to hold the winter session in Tura came from a Khasi politician, as stated by state Deputy Speaker Timothy D Shira, a veteran politician, in the state assembly, as reported by The Meghalayan Express. According to Timothy Shira, Bah Sten, a Khasi politician, suggested to then Chief Minister Captain Williamson Sangma to have a winter session in Tura as the weather remains pleasant, providing an escape from Shillong’s chilly winter.
Financial Constraints Remain A Challenge
While there are several reasons that justify the demand for a winter capital in Tura, it is, however, the financial constraints that are proving to be a challenge. It is well known that administratively managing a second capital isn't easy. This is because shifting from one capital to another will require the transportation of significant resources, including files, computers, and furniture. This will result in additional expenditure for the state.
It is a well-known fact that the state is underdeveloped and heavily dependent on the Centre for financial resources. There are legitimate concerns that the additional expenditure following the establishment of a winter capital in Tura may result in the state government reducing its expenditure on developmental works, healthcare facilities, and education.
Call For Winter Capital Needs Attention
While it is understandable that financial constraints are likely to arise if there is a winter capital in Tura, this issue still deserves attention. The Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, led by Conrad Sangma of the National People's Party (NPP), has taken the right step by forming an all-party committee to examine this long-standing demand.
A winter capital in Tura is likely to send a positive message to the people of the Garo Hills, a section of whom have long been demanding a separate Garoland from Meghalaya. After the formation of a winter capital in Tura, the Garo Hills are also likely to have an almost equitable share in the power structure, on par with the Khasi Hills — and this could act as a catalyst to dissuade Garoland supporters from raising the demand for separation from Meghalaya. In the long run, this will strengthen the northeastern state through ethnic unity.
The writer is a political commentator.
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