NEW DELHI: The Meghalaya Assembly on Tuesday witnessed a rare and heartwarming husband-wife exchange, as chief minister Conrad K Sangma and his wife, NPP MLA Mehtab Chandee A Sangma engaged in a constructive debate over stalled livestock education projects.During Question Hour, the Gambegre legislator sought clarity on the progress of a veterinary college, two fishery colleges and a dairy college that were approved by the cabinet in 2022.

She also raised concerns about manpower shortages in veterinary training centres across the state.Responding on behalf of the government, the chief minister smiled before stating that the proposed institutions were intended to strengthen Meghalaya’s livestock sector.“These were the three colleges which we have decided because of the urgent need, keeping in mind that a large population of the state is engaged in livestock rearing,” he said.“It is definitely a matter of concern. Steps are being taken to ensure the manpower shortage is filled up at the earliest,” he said, adding that filling vacancies would be treated as a priority.On the delay in preparing the detailed project reports (DPRs), Sangma explained that the process had taken time due to land identification and planning manpower requirements.He informed the House that around 800 acres have been identified at Kyrdemkulai in Ri-Bhoi for the proposed veterinary college. The project is estimated to cost about Rs 334 crore and will include 19 departments.“We have concerns as the financial requirement is quite large,” he said, while assuring members that efforts would be made to fast-track the process.The rare exchange between the chief minister and his legislator wife stood out in the Assembly proceedings, drawing attention for its cordial tone and focus on policy matters.