SHILLONG: As there is lack of clarity on the 90:10 funding pattern of central schemes applicable to the special category states including Meghalaya from the BJP led NDA government, the State government has begun submitting projects under the same pattern to the Centre.
The State government has decided to propose the schemes to the Centre for implementation under 90:10 funding pattern, since there is no final word on the nature of funding from the Centre.
Chief Secretary Barkos Warjri had admitted before news persons last week that the delay on the part of the Centre to make clear the nature of funding pattern of central projects may slow down the development works in the State.
Besides the uncertainty over the Central assistance, the loss of revenue due to the continued ban on rat hole mining by NGT has also affected the economy of the State.
According to the chief secretary, the State government is just managing the financial position in the wake of lack of clarity on the part of the Centre regarding the funding pattern of 90:10 of the central projects.
The chief secretary, however, allayed fears of any salary cut for government staff or serious financial constrains.
The anxiety of the government is that the Centre has neither conveyed to the State officially that it would change the funding pattern nor has it communicated to the government that it will carry on with the existing pattern of 90:10 funding.
Making the observation, the chief secretary expressed optimism that the Centre may continue with the same old pattern as applicable to the Special Category states.
‘Focus on agriculture after coal mining ban’
The chief secretary, meanwhile, said that following the ban on rat hole mining, the State government is focusing on the improvement of agriculture, horticulture, fisheries and organic products to earn revenue.
The official said that during the last four years, fish production has doubled and added that the State can bank on organic products which are in high demand to tide over the crisis after the ban on rat hole mining.
