By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 13: The North Eastern Council (NEC) released a total of Rs 4.94 crore to the Meghalaya government last month.
According to a statement issued by the NEC on Friday, the funds were disbursed to support a wide range of sectors, including tourism, industry, agriculture, transport and communication, science and technology, human resource development, irrigation, flood control and water management, and the promotion of culture and heritage, among others.
The NEC said it remains firmly committed to the timely disbursement of funds to ensure the smooth and prompt implementation and completion of development projects in the Northeastern Region.
Among the projects supported, Rs 1.52 crore was released for integrated farming on piggery-cum-fish culture in villages under Umling and Jirang C&RD blocks in Ri-Bhoi district. Additionally, Rs 33.97 lakh was allocated for providing sustainable livelihood and income opportunities through improved and scientific methods of organic turmeric (Curcuma longa) production, along with certification as organic produce, in Ri-Bhoi district.
The NEC also released Rs 62.90 lakh for the construction of a boys’ hostel and school building at 3 Khongong of Wapung village in East Jaintia Hills. Another Rs 1.19 crore was sanctioned for the implementation of three Plans of Action (PoA101, PoA105, PoA110) for Tripura under NESAC, while Rs 17.70 lakh was earmarked for Gati Shakti-based planning and site selection using geospatial technology for all eight Norteastern states.
In terms of hydroelectric project development, Rs 51.90 lakh was released for the survey and investigation of the Myntdu-Leshka (Stage-II) HEP (3×70 MW) in East and West Jaintia Hills districts. Similarly, Rs 1.82 lakh was allotted for the survey and investigation of the Selim HEP (2×85 MW) in West Jaintia Hills, while Rs 28.80 lakh was granted for similar works on the Mawblei HEP (140 MW) in West Khasi Hills.
Further allocations included Rs 11.16 lakh for the implementation of three Plan of Action projects finalised for Sikkim under NESAC, and Rs 5.59 lakh for the implementation of 10 Plan of Action projects finalised for Nagaland.
Lastly, Rs 8 lakh was released for the organisation of the 7th Act East Business Show held in Shillong.
