KHADC chief promises to release Rs 1.5 cr to Nongkrem

SHILLONG: Allaying UDP Nongkrem circle’s fears over the non-release of Rs 3 crore to the constituency, KHADC CEM PN Syiem said that Rs 1.5 crore will be given to constituencies with newly elected MDCs out of the remaining Rs 10 crore from the Centre’s special assistance grant.
Speaking to reporters here on Monday, Syiem said, “The remaining amount of Rs 10 crore will be distributed among all the six constituencies (which went to by-poll), including Nongkrem, based on their respective scheme proposals.”
Refuting claims of anti-UDP activities in the KHADC, the CEM said that representatives from Nongkrem constituency did not apprise him of the non-release of the full share (Rs 3 crore) to the constituency.
“Moreover, Nongkrem got Rs 1.12 crore from the proposals approved by the State Level Committee (SLC),” Syiem said.
Earlier, a meeting of the UDP held at Lad Nongkrem on Friday observed that as the scheme proposed for the constituency was Rs 1.12 crore, the remaining Rs 1.88 crore meant for the constituency should be allotted by KHADC.
Headed by Chief Secretary K.S. Kropha, the SLC approved over 1000 project proposals of the KHADC at a cost Rs 123 crore out of the Rs 133.12 crore allocated to the council.
Syiem said that it is up to the respective constituencies to send their proposals which should not exceed Rs 1.5 crore.
He maintained that there is a good relationship with the UDP which is a part of the People’s Democratic Forum (PDF) coalition and downplayed the misunderstanding.
On the other hand, he clarified that he has not been interfering in the meetings called by UDP Nongkrem circle on the MUDA encroachment issue.
The UDP- Nongkrem Circle will hold a meeting on the MUDA encroachment issue on Tuesday.