SHILLONG : Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said Meghalaya has sought the Centre’s support to raise the state’s ceiling for externally aided projects (EAP) and provide financial and infrastructure assistance for hosting the upcoming National Games.
Sangma said he raised both issues with Union DoNER Minister during his recent visit to New Delhi.
Meghalaya seeks Rs 10,000 crore EAP ceiling
The Chief Minister said Meghalaya’s current EAP ceiling stands at Rs 5,000 crore, which was fixed during the previous Finance Commission period. The state had initially sought an increase to Rs 15,000 crore but has now requested that the ceiling at least be doubled to Rs 10,000 crore.
“Meghalaya is one of the better performers for EAP and 90 percent of the loan is repaid by the Government of India for Northeastern states. It is a great source of fund for us,” Sangma said after the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
He said the state has sought the intervention and support of the DoNER Ministry in increasing the ceiling.
DoNER support sought for National Games
Sangma also said Meghalaya is seeking financial and infrastructure assistance from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) for hosting the National Games.
According to the Chief Minister, the Games are being planned as a Northeast-wide sporting event, with every state in the region expected to host at least one discipline.
“We sought support from the DoNER Ministry financially and for infrastructure because though we are hosting it, every state in the Northeast will conduct at least one discipline,” he said.
Sangma said the DoNER Minister has agreed to examine the proposal, with a detailed presentation expected to be made after the ongoing Assembly session.
Meghalaya seeks INI status for NEIGRIHMS
During his Delhi visit, Sangma also met Union Health Minister and raised Meghalaya’s demand for Institute of National Importance (INI) status for NEIGRIHMS, along with concerns over its recruitment policy.
“The minister positively accepted that INI is something NEIGRIHMS should have. I am hopeful the proposal will go through,” Sangma said.
On recruitment, the Chief Minister said the Union Health Minister was already aware of the concerns surrounding recruitment at NEIGRIHMS and agreed that greater opportunities should be created for local candidates.
“He said we need to find ways to help our local boys and girls get maximum recruitment opportunities,” Sangma added.