SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has mooted the idea of ‘sister state’ relationship with an aim to develop better relationship with other states in the country to promote exchange of culture, business and trade relationship. In his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently, he said if all Indian states have such a relationship, it would enable learning and exchange of different strengths and potentials, which would further strengthen the growth and development initiatives in the country.
Citing an example, he said, “Meghalaya and Maharashtra can have close association in the field of Bollywood, music, cultural exchange programme, as well as have collaboration for research, entrepreneurship and explore potential of organic products from Meghalaya to Mumbai, where demand for organic food is very high.”
Sangma also suggested to the Prime Minister that states should also be allowed to work in close association with NITI Aayog. NITI Aayog is working in close tandem with the central government to devise strategies and policies for welfare and development initiatives. Sangma, who is in Delhi, met the Prime Minister along with cabinet colleagues AL Hek, Banteidor Lyngdoh, Samlin Malngiang and Tura Lok Sabha MP Agatha K Sangma.
Water Policy
Sangma also apprised Modi that Meghalaya is close to coming up with a water policy to ensure conservation, rain water harvesting, purification, river rejuvenation, etc. He said, “The Prime Minister has liked the idea and has asked me to discuss the matter with Jal Shakti Ministry. I have discussed the matter with the ministry and they have liked the idea too. The ministry is now proposing the idea for all other states to replicate.”