Centre sanctions Rs 311 crore projects to Meghalaya

SHILLONG, SEPT 25: The Centre has sanctioned five projects at the cost of Rs 311.32 crore under the Non Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) Scheme to the state during the year 2017-18.

Tabling a statement in reply to a query raised by opposition member from Mahendraganj Dikkanchi D Shira in the Assembly on Tuesday, chief minister Conrad K Sangma said of the total estimated amount, Rs 62.70 crore was released by the Ministry of DoNER so far.

The five projects included the construction of two colleges of Science and Commerce at Mahendraganj and Mawphlang at Rs 36.31 crore and Rs 36.55 crore respectively, constructions of a major bridge over river Daru on Jholgaon-Katuli at Rs 14.70 crore, M&BT of Intermediate lane on Rongjeng Mangsang A’dokgre road from 0.00km to 32.00 km and 39.00 to 43.00 km including 90.00 m bridge over Lldek river at 44^th km at Rs 210 crore and road from Rongsang Abagre to Bandalkona connective Betasing –Mellim Road with bridges in Meghalaya at 13.76 crore.

Shira in her supplementary question also sought to know the status of the college of science and commerce at Mawphlang in East Khasi Hills District, to which the chief minister informed that approval to re-start the project, is being awaited from the centre.

Sangma said that the state government had written twice to the central government, which has asked a committee to take a call on the matter.

“On that aspect the committee (SLEC) had taken a call and has recommended that the implementation of this project be given back to the contractors. Once we get the approval from the government of India we hope very soon work can then start,” he added.

The chief minister said earlier there was a communication from the ministry and subsequently the work was also cancelled but the contractors had pleaded that this work be given back to them.

According to him, the ministry had observed that a small project like this need not be given to five contractors but can be given to one on turn-key basis and suggested that this would be relooked into.

However, the government of Meghalaya wrote to the minister asking that this project be continued as the work has already been allotted to the contractors, he said.

By Our Reporter