Meghalaya is set to benefit Rs 100 crore more after the increased outlay under the Scheme for Financial Assistance to the States.
In a statement issued today, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma termed the Union budget for 2022-23 “forward-looking and futuristic’.
“I am happy that our suggestions during the budget discussion meeting last December to increase the outlay under the Scheme for Financial Assistance to the States has been well accepted. Now Meghalaya would benefit by Rs 100 crore more in this year itself. Additionally, Rs 1 lakh crore has been allocated to assist the states through 50-year interest-free loans over and above the normal borrowings. This will drive the economy of Meghalaya along with the national economy at an accelerated pace in these tough pandemic times,” Sangma said.
Welcoming the launch of a new scheme named PM-DevINE (Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North-East), Sangma said, “I express my gratitude towards the Government of India for giving special attention to the North Eastern States and their aspirations. As part of this initiative, we have plans to propose a project for the construction of a new administrative city in Shillong.”
Sangma said that the Government of India’s vision for Amrit Kaal is aligned with Meghalaya’s vision for ‘The Meghalayan Decade’.
“The special impetus for holistic development of youth, women, and farmers is in line with our focus and approach towards our vision of being among the top ten states in ten years,” he said.
Sangma also said the estimated expenditure of Rs 39.45 lakh crore, and an estimated receipt of Rs 24.84 lakh crore will enable India’s GDP to grow at 9.2 per cent.
On the overall Union budget, Sangma complimented on the decisions made to develop the skills of the youth.
“The budget has laid special allocation for our farmers to leverage digital and hi-tech services, including use of Kisan drones and comprehensive packages in the horticulture sector. I am hopeful that our farmers would be greatly benefitted through these programs,” he said.
Sangma also said that the budget’s emphasis on the skill development of the youth is commendable.
“I applaud the plan to create a digital ecosystem for skilling and livelihood, digital university, and digital courses in it. I am sure the youth of Meghalaya would leverage such opportunities to upskill and train themselves,” he said.
The Meghalaya chief minister lauded the dedicated initiatives like Mission Shakti, Mission Vatsalya, Saksham Anganwadi, and Poshan 2.0 launched by the Central government to provide integrated benefits to women and children.
“I appreciate the steps taken to construct two lakh Saksham Anganwadis with improved infrastructure for early child development. I welcome the initiative for the National Digital Health Ecosystem which will further streamline the health service in our country and increase the accessibility to health infrastructure benefits,” he said.
Sangma also welcomed the commitment to infrastructure development through initiatives such as unified logistics interface platform – ULIP, National Ropeways Development programme and the expansion of the national highways network.
“On top of it all, I am overwhelmed by the commitment of the Government of India for inclusive development through financial inclusion of farmers, and senior citizens in rural areas through multiple initiatives such as linking of post offices, digital banking, etc,” he added.
