‘Destination Meghalaya’

SHILLONG, MAR 18: The state government has announced ‘Destination Meghalaya’ as a part of its comprehensive and convergent approach to develop education, health, tourism and industry in the state.

During his budget speech on Wednesday, chief minister Mukul Sangma said, “Destination Meghalaya encompasses a cogent strategy of government investments as well as facilitating private partnership in education, health, tourism and industry including information technology.”

On education and health as first facet of this approach, Sangma informed the government has already earmarked funds for three Pinemount International Schools as well as other residential schools elsewhere in the state.

Sangma  said premiere institutions like NEIGRIHMS and IIM have already attract students from north east and other parts of the country.

In order to increase the opportunity for such higher education, Sangma said, the state government is now setting up two  medical colleges and two engineering colleges in addition to the two new colleges for arts and aommerce.

“These institutions and colleges of higher education are not just vehicles for investment and teaching but will also provide a pool of expertise for technical assistance to the state for research and development and provide inspiration for the youth,” Sangma informed.

With regards to Tourism, Sangma said in a major boost to the state government efforts, Meghalaya will be the hosting the Indigenous Terra Madre names “Mei Ram ew” in November this year.  He informed Destination Meghalaya is to encourage investments in industry and information technology by nurturing an enabling environment.

To this end, Sangma said, 80 acres of land has been earmarked for setting up of an IT estate at Mawdiangdiang adding this will focus in particular on industries which rely upon renewable natural resources.

Sangma also informed that proposals for spending on agro forestry and bamboo plantations are based on making this linkage with industry sustainability and promoting a green economy for faster, comprehensive and inclusive growth.

According to Sangma, the state government will also set up an Investment Promotion Council for facilitating dialogue, attracting investments, recommending a strategy for creating a pool of competitive skilled work force and facilitating faster clearances.

Besides, integrated enterprise Incubation Centres will also be set up next year for providing necessary support for startups by youth and women, Sangma announced. He said one of the key deliverables identified by the government for Destination Meghalaya will be expeditious removal of administrative bottlenecks.

Sangma also revealed that funds have been set aside for an industrial land bank, which according to him is a key parameter for ensuring smooth business operation.- By Our Reporter