Shillong: Senior BJP leader and MLA AL Hek has formally requested that Union Health Minister JP Nadda grant Institute of National Importance status to the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences. Hek raised the proposal during Nadda’s recent visit to Shillong, where the Minister was present to inaugurate the Regional Institute of Respiratory and Chest Diseases.
Hek believes that upgrading the Shillong-based healthcare facility will bolster its academic standing and improve access to essential medical resources for the Northeast. While the meeting was brief due to the Minister's packed schedule, the push for elevated status reflects a long-standing desire among local stakeholders to improve regional healthcare delivery.
Beyond medical infrastructure, Hek reaffirmed the party's commitment to securing Eighth Schedule status for the Khasi and Garo languages. Although the state government has already recognized them as associate official languages, Hek emphasized the need for formal constitutional inclusion. He noted that party representatives are continuing discussions with the Union government on this priority.
Addressing recent comments from Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the complexity of language recognition, Hek remained optimistic about the ongoing dialogue. He stated, "The state BJP would persist in its advocacy." Local pressure groups remain vocal in their support, and Hek expressed confidence that the Centre continues to treat the matter as an active consideration.
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