State to fight for 90:10 central aid

SHILLONG: The MDA government will push the central assistance in the ratio of 90:10 for national schemes, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said on Friday.
Speaking to media persons after presenting the Budget on Friday, Sangma pointed out that it would be a daunting task for the newly formed state government to maintain a sound financial position after the Fifth Pay Commission that came into force last year.
Sangma said the government is trying to get in terms with the sudden change in funding patterns for all northeastern states, which receive deficit grant funding from the Centre.
After the 14th Finance Commission recommendations for overhauling funding to states, there has been a pullback on development funds that has affected the already weak economy of the northeastern states.
Enumerating the possible measures to tide over the crisis, Sangma said the government will focus on clearing backlog in certain projects and streamlining them, adopting austerity measures and ensuring that money is spent “in the best possible manner”.
According to Sangma, the state government is staring at challenges like paying salary of SSA teachers and the upcoming National Games that requires huge exercise in terms of infrastructure and funding.
Revenue augmentation
During his interaction with the media, the chief minister put emphasis on increasing the state’s revenue saying each department would have to find resources from outside, besides managing its own.
“It’s not going to be easy for us and we will require the Centre’s support,” he added.
When asked about central assistance, Sangma said the state government would have to ensure that projects are implemented on time and utilisation certificates are submitted. In this context, he said the state would fight for central assistance in the ratio of 90:10.
The chief minister also felt the need for more externally aided projects and centrally sponsored schemes.
Though the state’s fiscal deficit has gone down, it is yet to gain stability. The deficit in terms of GSDP has gone down 3.3 per cent in comparison to 3.8 per cent last year.
Political appointments
When asked about political appointments, Sangma said the government requires teams for many exercises even as he added that it depends on the government how such boards and corporations are used and the new government will ensure that the purpose of those boards are met.
Sangma recently met Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to apprise him of the challenges following the last financial year (2017-18).
Past projects
Talking about the contentious Meghalaya Basin Development Authority, the chief minister said the government cannot discard it but would try to improve the programme and other initiatives of the previous government and review their impact on the society.
“We will assess based on the performance whether to discard the project or carry on with it,” he said.