CM seeks addl funds

SHILLONG, SEPT 10: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma met Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India, Dr. Jitendra Singh, and submitted a memorandum requesting for an additional sanction of Rs. 23 Cr under the Non Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) component for infrastructure requirements in the construction of the Shillong International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture (SICPAC) at Mawdiangdiang. The project was funded under NLCPR at a cost of Rs. 151.33 crore. However, since the sanctioned amount did not cover the requirement of high-quality audio-visual   equipment, the State Government had also requested a sanction of Rs. 22.85 crore from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the North Eastern Council.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has sanctioned an amount of Rs.12.85 crore while the NEC has agreed to provide Rs.10 crore for the same. It may be mentioned that SICPAC has been designed as an iconic and state of the art centre which is expected to contribute to the development and promotion of the arts and culture of Meghalaya and the entire North Eastern Region.

He also discussed issues related to the sanctions for the construction of the ‘Rongjeng Mangsang A’dokgre road’, including a ‘bridge over River Ildek’ under the Ministry. Speaking on the importance of the project, the Chief Minister said, “The road is a strategic road of the State especially for the Garo Hills region that will provide the much-needed connectivity to a large number of villages in the area”.

He requested the Hon’ble MoS for his intervention in sanctioning the required amount to restart the construction work. Further, the Chief Minister also apprised the MoS on the status of NLCPR, NESIDS and NEC projects in Meghalaya and sought his intervention in the sanctioning of ongoing projects in the State. Lastly, he expressed his gratitude to the Ministry by saying, “We are grateful for the Ministry’s support to Meghalaya’s ambitions under his (Dr. Jitendra Singh’s) leadership”.