Tura, September 9, 2026: The Garo Hills Zone of the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) has appealed to the Meghalaya Chief Minister to reconsider the recent appointment arrangement for the post of District Urban Planner and Town Planning Officer at the Urban Affairs Department in Tura.
In a representation submitted through the Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills, FKJGP leaders referred to Office Memo No. UAU.63/2010/220, issued by the Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Urban Affairs Department, under which Shri Elangki Shullai has been entrusted with the responsibility of serving as District Urban Planner and Town Planning Officer at Tura.
The organisation, however, expressed concern over the officer being assigned dual responsibilities at Shillong and Tura, stating that the arrangement could affect the effective functioning of the department at both locations.
According to the representation, the considerable distance between Shillong and Tura could make frequent travel difficult and place an additional burden on the concerned officer. The FKJGP argued that such an arrangement could potentially lead to delays in the disposal of official matters and completion of departmental works. The organisation also highlighted the difficulties faced by residents of Tura due to the prolonged absence of a dedicated District Urban Planner and Town Planning Officer.
It stated that several public applications and matters related to urban planning and basic amenities have been affected, including permissions concerning water and electricity connections, construction of residential and commercial buildings, and other town-planning related requirements. The FKJGP said the pending matters have caused inconvenience to the public and that the situation could be addressed more effectively through the appointment of a full-time, dedicated officer for the Urban Affairs Department in Tura.
The organisation urged the Chief Minister to intervene and reconsider the present dual-charge arrangement, arguing that a dedicated officer would help improve administrative efficiency, expedite pending applications and ensure timely delivery of services to the people of Tura. The organisation has also sought prompt action from the government in the larger public interest.
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