The cabinet today approved the state’s proposal to the central government for the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, a huge national power project.
The Meghalaya proposal, to be forwarded to New Delhi shortly, is for Rs 2,500 crores. The Centre has earmarked Rs 3 lakh crores for this particular project nationwide to revamp the distribution systems and power sector over five years.
The Chief Minister explained to reporters that the Centre will provide Rs 1,350 per metre as subsidy. Ninety per cent of the infrastructure costs will be borne by the central government, with 10 per cent coming from the state’s resources.
Meanwhile, among the other matters on the cabinet agenda, the ministers considered the state’s proposal for Rs 1,500 crore to avail of NABARD Infrastructure Development Assistance (NIDA). The loan will be used for infrastructure development work carried out through a public sector undertaking. The proposal will be sent to NABARD for final approval.
Through these funds, the Meghalaya government aims to create necessary infrastructure for the state’s 40-plus blocks and spend Rs 100 crore for lower primary schools.
Administrative units like civil sub-division buildings, Deputy Commissioners’ offices, police offices and administrative buildings will be created using these funds.
“We intend to invest in police stations as they have been neglected for a very long time,” Sangma said.
Meanwhile, Meghalaya has also joined other states in amending the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act 2006, which is in line with a central government notification. The state will now be allowed a fiscal deficit of 4 per cent, up from 3 per cent.
The cabinet also approved changing the name of the Department of Prisons to Department of Prisons and Correctional Services. This is in line with another central notification.
