State ready for marquee event: Hek
New Delhi: Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, on Tuesday assured BJP MLA and Health Minister, AL Hek, of funds not being a problem for the state to host the National Games 2022 since his ministry has already sent the approved proposals to the Ministry of Finance, which is the final sanctioning authority.
“Meghalaya will host the National Games 2022,” asserted Hek, after the meeting with Rijiju.
There were apprehensions that the state may not be able to host the coveted mega event. There also was anxiety regarding the hosting of the mega event as the state lacks in proper sports infrastructure for hosting an event of such magnitude.
With only two years remaining for the state to prepare and build the required sports infrastructure, there have been talks of uncertainty that the state may not be able to host the prestigious event in 2022.
However, post meeting, Hek told newsmen that the games will be held as scheduled.
“The state and government is ready for the 2022 Games, and we are hopeful of hosting it based on the terms and conditions,” Hek said.
“Steps have been taken by the state government to create the infrastructure close to Rs 450 crore mobilised by the state government from Centre to give funds for different infrastructure,” he added.
Hek also held a meeting with Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, Minister of State of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, and discussed about fisheries and livestock situation in the state.
“These two avenues can provide large-scale employment to the poor people in villages,” he argued.
The minister supported the state’s demand for opening a hatchery, which will give boost to poultry industry in the state as alternate sources of income.
“Pisciculture will also be developed in a big way in the hill state,” Hek said.