The Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government’s two key drivers are ensuring that governance and efficiency improve and that there is holistic and balanced development, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said in his reply to the debate on his budget speech in the Assembly today.
In the current financial year the government’s overall spending has touched the highest point in the history of the state, he said.
Elucidating on this topic, the CM informed that Meghalaya has spent Rs 600 crore in Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) funds this year on road connectivity and expects to receive another Rs 200 crore within this financial year.
This, he said, is because the government quickly and efficiently disburses the funds that are provided by the central government. “We don’t hold on to the centrally sponsored scheme funds. We immediately release them, get the UCs (utilization certificates) and ask for more funds,” Sangma said.
For the Jal Jeevan Mission to provide potable water to all households, the state has received Rs 172 crore and might be, he stated, the only state to completely utilize the entire budget and be eligible to receive bonus funds from the Centre.
His administration’s focus on agriculture, he said, will lead to growth in the state’s Gross Domestic Product and also increase incomes of farmers.
On the tourism sector, the Chief Minister said that Rs 320 crore has been earmarked for a new tourist circuit in South West Khasi Hills, where Jakrem hot springs and Nongnah monoliths will be promoted. In Garo Hills he said that Rs 200 crore will be sanctioned for Nokrek Biosphere.
On the sports front, the CM said that the PA Sangma Stadium in Tura is one of the biggest dedicated football stadiums and will be completed by 2022. It was also informed that to commemorate Meghalaya’s 50th year of statehood, the government is contemplating to hold the North East Sports Festival and National Table Tennis Championship next year. Sangma said that, apart from this, the government will also hold literature and theatre festivals.
