SHILLONG, AUG 27: Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma sought more funds from union government for implementing seven projects proposed for the state.
The seven projects proposed by Sangma included the International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Building, State Medical College, Integrated Ganol Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation Project, New Shillong Township, State Technical University and Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Promotion Programme
Submitting a memorandum to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Tuesday, Sangma said, “These projects are of critical importance because they address two aspects of our economy which are vital to sustain growth. First these will help fill a crucial infrastructure deficit thereby creating ambient conditions for improving the quality of life of our people as well as accelerating the pace of socio-economic growth and well-being. Second and more importantly, through the proposals enumerated below we aim to create a cadre of dedicated professionals in neglected areas of health and technology.”
The International Centre for Performing Art & Culture estimated to cost about Rs 350.00 crore has been proposed to set up which will provide a venue for performing arts of international standards, the chief minister said.
Stating that Shillong is often called India’s rock capital, Sangma added that from performances by leading rock bands to the Shillong Chamber Choir to opera singers, music is indeed a way of life in Meghalaya. There is an equally sharp element of traditional tribal & folk music. This blend is unique. State of the art performance venues which enhance the overall experience & create opportunities for greater exposure to local talent will benefit the region in a number of ways.
Informing that the Meghalaya’s Assembly building, a heritage structure was destroyed in a fire on the 9th January 2001, Sangma said, “Since then, the sessions of the Legislative Assembly have been held in temporary premises. For some time, the Assembly Sessions were held at the State Central Library and later shifted to the Art and Culture Auditorium. The State Legislature is an embodiment of democracy, constantly reminding us our Basic Law – the Constitution.”
“Therefore, it is vital that the State Legislature have its own premises befitting its august stature. The cost of construction of the Assembly Building with its supporting infrastructure is estimated at Rs 350 Crore,” Sangma pleaded.
On the setting up of a state medical college, the Sangma has further projected an amount of Rs 160 crore to set up the Medical College including teaching college, hostels and staff quarters.
Stating that though the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) runs a medical college, Sangma said that the setting up of government medical college cum hospital at Tura in Garo hills is to overcome the deficit of doctors and para medical staffs in the state.
Furthermore, the state government has further projected the setting up of the Integrated Ganol Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation Project at Rs 350 crore. According to the Sangma, Ganol is a major river of the Garo hills region. The river offers vast potential for productive use and significantly improving the quality of life of people living along its basin. Its potential benefits however remain untapped.
“The project would supplement drinking water supply to key towns, villages and habitations as well as irrigate an area of about 2,230 hectares of plain land,” Sangma informed.
Under the seven point proposal, the much controversy New Shillong Township has also been proposed with an estimated cost to the tune of Rs 350 crore.
Sangma informed that in order ensure that the city continues to retain its traditional charm and beauty, the Meghalaya government has taken up the ambitious task of a new township contiguous to the existing city. He said “This township called New Shillong is a planned township for which land has already been acquired.”
National institutions of higher education such as IIM Shillong, NIFT and the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences are located or have been provided land in the township, Sangma informed. Once the new township is fully functional, it will not only reduce the pressure on Shillong but also be a tourist destination in itself, beckoning visitors and tourists to a repeat their visit, Sangma said in the memorandum.
In the memorandum the Meghalaya government has proposed Rs 60 crore for the setting up of the State Technical University which can provide a framework of activities ranging from research to short vocational courses besides increasing the throughput of engineers.- By Our Reporter
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