State govt to seek Rs 200 crore for MEB

SHILLONG, DEC 4: Meghalaya government will be seeking Rs 200 crores financial assistance from the centre for implementing the different projects including setting up of the first ever ‘Meghalaya Ecological Battalion’ in the state.

The proposal was discussed during the 19^th Rajya Sainik Board meeting chaired by the chief minister Mukul Sangma on Thursday.

“Funds for Rs 200 crores will have to be sought from the centre for the implementing the different projects  that have been discussed today,” secretary of the board Brig William Sturgeon told reporters after the meeting.

He said, “Raising of the Ecological Battalion is on the card and it will be aimed at improving the ecological balance and environment in the state.”

Sources said the battalion will consist of over 1800 men and the  government is proposing to spend up to Rs 70-80 crore for the setting up of the battalion in the state.

Sturgeon also informed that the meeting  also discussed raising of a Home and Hearth Battalion with 1500 local youths for intelligence gathering and operations adding “These proposals are being processed at the highest levels of government.”

The meeting also approved setting up two Sainik Schools in West Garo hills and East Khasi hills districts.

“Setting up of two Sainik schools, one in Tura and the other in Shillong, at an estimated cost of Rs 4.2 crore which will cater to academic studies of the children of the ex-servicemen and others have been approved,” Brig Sturgeon  said. He also informed that the proposal for setting up of one more Sainik School at Jonkipara in Garobadah area of Garo hills is also under process adding 50 acres of land  is required to be acquired for the purpose.

He also said five welfare organizer posts was also cleared which include for Baghmara, Nongpoh, Williamnagar, Jowai and Nongstoin.

For the Gallantry Awards, he said, “An increase in cash grants of Rs 3 crores for Gallantry and Distinguished Service Award winners was approved by the board… this will be at par with the highest awarding states of the country.”

The board has also agreed to give free coaching classes for Army, Navy and  Air Force recruitments. – By Our Reporter