SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has said that the state government is targeting to eradicate poverty by 2022, the Golden Jubilee year of statehood.”Meghalaya, blessed with bountiful natural resources, should be able to completely eradicate poverty by the time we gather to celebrate golden jubilee of our Statehood,” Sangma said while presenting the annual budget in the Assembly on Wednesday.While achieving this target, he said that it also important to ensure that the eco-systems remain robust and lively.On industries, he said that a total of 152 industrial units under micro, small, medium and large enterprises were promoted during the current year with an investment of Rs.19 crore in plant and machineries.”Another 82 industrial units will be provided financial assistance of Rs.38.89 lakh shortly. 191 units were set up under the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme creating employment for 662 people,” the chief minister said.On water supply and sanitation, he said that another important function of the government was to provide safe drinking water supply. He also referred to Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme Project (Phase III).
Referring to his pet project ‘Destination Meghalaya’, the Chief Minister said, “It encompasses a cogent strategy of government investments as well as facilitating private partnership in education, health, tourism and industry including information technology.On education and health being the first facet of this approach, Sangma informed that the government has already earmarked funds for three Pinemount International Schools as well as other residential schools elsewhere in the state.In order to increase the opportunity for such higher education, the chief minister said the state government was setting up two medical colleges and two engineering colleges in addition to two new colleges for arts and commerce.In his budget speech he mentioned hosting of Indigenous Terra Madre festival “Mei Ram ew” in November this year.He informed that ‘Destination Meghalaya’ was meant to encourage investments in industry and information technology by nurturing an enabling environment.
To this end, the Chief Minister said, 80 acres of land had been earmarked for setting up of an IT estate at Mawdiangdiang adding this will focus in particular on industries which rely upon renewable natural resources.He also informed that proposals for spending on agro forestry and bamboo plantations were based on making this linkage with industry sustainability and promoting a green economy for faster, comprehensive and inclusive growth.According to Sangma, the state government will also set up an Investment Promotion Council for facilitating dialogue, attracting investments, recommending a strategy for creating a pool of competitive skilled work force and facilitating faster clearances.
Budget Allocations
lEducation: Rs 681.88 cr
lRoads and Bridges: Rs 555.20 cr
lC& RD: Rs 509.90 cr
lHealth and Family Welfare: Rs 380.50 cr
lWater Supply & Sanitation: Rs 309.40 cr
lSoil & Water Conservation: Rs 263 cr
lWater Resources: Rs 169.80 cr
lUrban Development: Rs 169 cr
lSocial Welfare: Rs 152.30 cr
lAgriculture & Horticulture: Rs 147 cr
lTourism: Rs 107 cr
lPower: Rs 96 cr
lForest & Environment: Rs 81.30 cr
lCommerce and Industries: Rs 70.50 cr
lRevenue & Disaster Management: Rs 60 lakh
lAnimal Husbandry & Veterinary: Rs 50.50 cr
lSports & Youth Affairs: Rs 40.85 cr
lHousing: Rs 43.20 cr
lBorder Areas Development: Rs 39.50 cr
lSericulture & Weaving: Rs 34 cr
lArts & Culture: Rs 30 cr
lLabour: Rs 25.72 cr
lInformation Technology: Rs 25.50 cr
lFisheries: Rs 23 cr
lCooperation: Rs 14 cr
lTransport: Rs 7.44 cr
lPersonnel: Rs 7 cr
lCivil Defence & Home Guards: Rs 5.35 cr
lDistrict Council: Rs 5.50 cr
lMining & Geology: Rs 5 cr
lPrisons: Rs 4.50 cr
lFood, Civil Supply & Consumer Affairs: Rs 1.30 cr