Minister incharge water resources Metbah Lyngdoh announced that the government has received Rs 51 crore from the Centre as part payment for ongoing water resource projects, describing it as a “token of Christmas celebration”.

“We have received some amounts of funds from the government of India, which is central share, amounting to Rs 51 plus crores, out of which the central share comes to about Rs 5 crores plus,” Lyngdoh said.

The minister directed the department to expedite spending and release the funds to contractors without delays. “I have directed the department that we have to speed it up spending and releasing all the funds to the contractors without any delays, so they have started the process from today and they are on the job,” he said.

Lyngdoh expressed hope that the Centre will release more funds and assured that the government will utilize the received amount effectively. “The government of India is keen to release some more funds, and we will ensure to utilize these funds completely so that we can get the next funds,” he said.

The minister emphasized the importance of consistency in following up with the Centre to secure the remaining funds. “Consistency in as far as follow up is concerned, that has to be there… We will ensure that this path will also be followed in the days to come so that the balance which we are supposed to receive, we should get it, so that the contractor should not suffer,” Lyngdoh said.