Shillong, Sep 3: The North Eastern Council (NEC) completed developmental projects in July-August valued at Rs 28.08 crore and released Rs 7.86 crore toward ongoing grassroots initiatives spanning education, advanced healthcare, enterprise, tourism, and community ecology.
Some of these included releasing an instalment of Rs 4.90 crore for the construction of modern school buildings across eight Ramakrishna Mission (RKM) schools at Laidiengsai, Nongkynrih, Mawrah, Pomsohmen, Laitryngew, Wahlong, Nongjri Pynursla and Nongjri Nartiang.
A further Rs 2.50 crore was released towards the ongoing Integrated Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Centre (sanctioned at Rs 10 crore) for specialised skill creation and sustainable enterprise.
The NEC also released Rs 1.17 crore to upgrade seven PRIME hubs across the state where aspiring innovators can get incubation and mentoring support.
Among the completed projects was the Rs 2.94 crore Community Development
Programme for Tiwa (Lalung) communities in Ri-Bhoi, which aims to safeguard fragile landscapes, promote soil conservation, protect natural spring-water catchments and preserve forest biodiversity through local stewardship.
The NEC also completed the installation of an advanced 1.5 Tesla MRI machine at Tura Civil Hospital with an allocation of Rs 6.69 crore.
Extending its gaze beyond borders, the NEC disbursed Rs16.22 crore across regional agencies, universities and technical bodies. Crucial initiatives include overseas placement programmes in Japan for North Eastern youth and functional Hindi courses implemented by IIM Shillong, an impact study of post-2014 road connectivity, and a publication honoring the illustrious life and legacy of Padma Shri Major Bob Khathing.
