M’laya CM seeks financial aid of over Rs 4,300 Cr for implementation of 4 projects

SHILLONG, JULY 16: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has sought financial assistance of over Rs 4,300 crore from the Centre for implementation of four projects which include the proposed setting of a University of Culture during the period from 2020-25.

The request was made Sangma in his supplementary memorandum submitted during a meeting with the chairman of the Finance Commission Nand Kishore Singh in New Delhi on Monday.

The chief minister has highlighted four key projects for the state and requested assistance to the tune of Rs 4,340 crore for the implementation of the projects during 2020-25.

Apart from the University of Culture, the other projects include conduct of the 39th National Games in 2022, development of the state as a high-value tourism destination and building cable propelled transportation system (cable-cars/ropeways) as long- term solution to decongest Shillong city.

The chief minister also once again highlighted the efforts being made by the state government to fast track development works in the key sectors of human development, primary sector, infrastructure development and enterprise development.

The government is hopeful that the Finance Commission will favourably consider grants-in-aid support to the State for the implementation of these projects.

It may be mentioned here that the state government had earlier sought Rs 82,815 crore from the 15th Finance Commission during its visit to the state last month. The staggering amount has been projected for five years.

Of this, the state government had also sought Rs 15,609 crore as grants-in-aid for intervention in critical sectors.

These include Rs 4,956 crore for roads and bridges, Rs 2,476 crore for power, Rs 2,199 crore for sports and youth affairs, Rs 1,114 crore for water supply and sanitation, Rs 1,048 crore crore for law and order, Rs 957 crore for education, Rs 580 crore for health and family welfare and others.

Besides, the state government had also proposed Rs 2,469 crore as grants-in-aid for upgradation of standard administration, Rs 1,567 crore for local bodies including the three autonomous district councils (ADCs) and Rs 300 crore for SPSUs.