Chief Minister begins pre-budget consultations
From Our Correspondent
Tura: The Government is keen on making the State free of BPL families and to keep pace with the rest of the country, said Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma.
The Chief Minister said this while chairing a pre-budget consultation with all the stakeholders to get a first hand knowledge of people’s aspirations from the government here on Tuesday
Government agencies, Autonomous District Councils, civil societies, citizens and students attended the consultation meet.
The exercise attempts to elicit views and opinions from all stakeholders in the interest of better governance and the participation of public in the state’s budgeting process.
Dr Sangma said, “2012-13 is a critical financial year as it would determine the approach to the 12th Five-Year Plan.”
He said the proposals and deliberations of all concerned would be taken into consideration before finalizing the budget.
On making the state free of BPL families, the Chief Minister said, ”The focus is on natural and human resources which are the main strength of the state keeping in mind maximum exploitation of the renewable resources,” he said.
Referring to the state’s flagship programme the Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Programme (IBDP), he said that it was a complete structured strategy designed for the complete well being of the state.
Interacting with various sections of the society the Chief Minister informed that human resource development and health are two important sectors that are given top priority.
He added that the Tura Civil Hospital now has an Intensive Care Unit which has facilities of a high standard.
Commenting on various issues raised on education sector, the Chief Minister said the deficiencies in education sector would be corrected and support by the government will be linked to performance.
The meeting deliberated on a number of important issues relating to unemployment, women’s empowerment, power, safe drinking water and food security, fuel security, health, education etc and its incorporation in the budget.
Earlier, the stakeholders from the Garo Hills region called upon the government to put its focus on ensuring adequate planning for food, water and power security while preparing the upcoming annual budget of the state.
The government will also meet stakeholders in Shillong on February 17 as part of the exercise.