Mukul to present State budget today

SHILLONG: Against the backdrop of the NGT ban on coal mining continuing for the second year affecting the economy of the State coupled with the Centre’s withdrawal of special block grants to Northeastern states including Meghalaya thereby adding to the financial crunch, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, who holds the Finance portfolio, is set to present the State budget on Monday.
Sources said that the government is also under pressure to increase allotment to various departments to accelerate development.
The district councils have been seeking their share of taxes from various government departments.
Last week, the GHADC had conducted out a special session to discuss the State budget to be placed in the Assembly on Monday. The main point of discussion was the impact of the upcoming state budget on the GHADC.
According to Chief Executive Member Denang Sangma only Rs 57 lakh was paid to GHADC as royalty collection under Transport department while the GHADC was to get around Rs 25 crore including interest.
Sangma said the same is the case with several other departments.