SHILLONG:
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma held discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during his visit to New Delhi on December 14 and expressed gratitude for the PM’s unwavering support towards Meghalaya’s growth.
‘PM Modi was very pleased to see that the overall developmental budget for the state in the last few years has gone up by more than double in the last five years almost touching triple of what it used to be five, six years back. Apart from that I also shared with him the vision that we had for the state in the coming five years and the different targets that we have set for the state and sought his intervention and support in helping us and supporting us to be able to achieve those targets and goals,’ the Chief Minister said.
Sangma also shared his vision for the development of the new Shillong township and administrative city, outlining plans for a new secretariat and administrative facilities. He presented the vision, design, and rough drafts for the proposed administrative city, seeking support to ensure the project’s progress.
Sangma’s second meeting, with Finance Minister Sitharaman, focused on updating her about various projects supported by the Capital Investment Fund from the Government of India. He highlighted externally aided projects and other development initiatives in the state. Notably, Sangma requested increased support for externally aided projects, citing the existing cap imposed by the Government of India on states. He emphasized Meghalaya’s commendable performance and requested an adjustment to the ceiling, allowing states like Meghalaya, with a proven track record, to undertake additional projects.
The Chief Minister underlined the importance of continued support for states with a successful project implementation record and expressed confidence in the central government’s backing for Meghalaya’s developmental endeavours.