Our Bureau
NEW DELHI/SHILLONG, Dec 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured that the Centre will continue to extend all possible support to Meghalaya for its socio-economic progress, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Thursday.
Modi made the purported assurance to Sangma during a meeting that they had in Delhi.
Sangma had requested the Centre to increase the ceiling of externally-aided projects for performing states like Meghalaya and sanction additional projects.
Later, Sangma told the media he had apprised the PM about how the state government is implementing various developmental programmes. He also shared the details on the status of work. “A brief report was submitted and I gave a small presentation. He was happy to learn the different kinds of works happening in the state. He was especially pleased that the state’s overall developmental budget has gone up by more than double in the last five years,” Sangma said.
The CM further said, “I shared with him our vision for the state and the different targets we have set. I sought his support so we are able to achieve those targets and goals in the next five years.”
“I also shared with him the vision of New Shillong Township. I shared the plan and rough design and sought his support to make sure the project moves forward. He assured of all possible support from his side,” Sangma said.
Talking about his second meeting with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, he said, “I briefed her about the different projects that are going on through the capital investment fund and other ongoing development works.”
The CM said he requested Sitharaman to support Meghalaya further in the externally-aided projects as the Centre has put a cap on different states.
“We requested her to increase the ceiling and give additional projects to states which are performing. Since our performance has been good, we said we should be supported,” Sangma said.
Sitharaman assured to extend support to the state.
“I look forward to the help and support from the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister so that we are able to achieve the different targets and goals,” Sangma said.