From CK Nayak
NEW DELHI: The Centre has agreed to provide financial assistance to cash-strapped Meghalaya enabling it to tide over the current crunch situation.
The assurance came from Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman when Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong called on her here on Wednesday.
Sangma pleaded with her to bail out the state by releasing its share of central taxes, particularly because the economy of Meghalaya was in doldrums for various unforeseen factors.
The Chief Minister also submitted a memorandum requesting the Government of India to increase Meghalaya’s share of central taxes. The Union Minister was also apprised on the overall financial position of Meghalaya.
Because of COVID-19 tax collection in the hill state had hit rock bottom, Sangma, who also holds the Finance portfolio, told the Union Minister. The Centre on its part should also release state’s part of share to the state at this time of crisis.
After meeting Union Finance Minister, Chief Minister and Dy Chief Minister also met Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur and discussed on way forward for initiating externally funded World Bank & New Development Bank projects in the state. He was also apprised of the three externally aided projects that focus on Health, Tourism & Road Infrastructure development in the state.
They also submitted a memorandum requesting the Ministry of Finance to incentivise national banks and prioritise the setting up of new bank branches in rural areas to increase the reach of the banking system in the state.
In a day of hectic activities for the duo in the national capital, they called on a number of other central ministers for chasing some of the other priorities for the state.
The chief minister also met Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and expressed his gratitude to the Union Minister and the Ministry for funding the construction of PA Sangma Stadium in Tura. He intimated the Minister about the progress of the project and stated that the tendering process has started and the construction work will commence in a month and a half.
) In the meeting, they discussed the proposal for setting up of a Training Centre for Paramedical Staff in Meghalaya, which will be a hub and a skill institute that will cater to the entire North East.
“Considering the situation of COVID-19 today and the need for skilled manpower, the institute will add value to our healthcare system in the region”, the Chief Minister said. Apart from the Institute, the Sangma also sought an auditorium to be set up at Tura.
The two leaders also met Union Minister for Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairying Giriraj Singh and discussed on prospects and interventions to be taken up in the State to promote cattle breeding, piggery and fisheries. This will help in economic growth and sustainable development of the state, they said.
The duo also called on Minister of State Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Arjun M Meghwal and discussed on various issues related to the introduction of electric vehicles, particularly for short distance public transport.