SHILLONG: The Centre will discuss Meghalaya’s proposal to renew road links with Bangladesh during the North East Chief Minister’s meet in New Delhi on May 4.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma met Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Delhi on Tuesday and sought her intervention to have road connectivity between Bangladesh and Meghalaya and reminded her about the Shillong-Dhaka and Tura-Dhaka routes.
Swaraj assured that the issue would be taken up during the May 4 meeting.
She assured that central assistance would be extended to Meghalaya and other northeastern states to improve relations with neighbouring nations to enhance trade and cultural ties. She suggested that the chief minister take advantage of the good relationship with Bangladesh and said the thrust is on the North East under the Act East Policy.
The chief minister said Meghalaya shares over 440 km border with Bangladesh and a new strategy, ‘Act South’, will ensure that trade and commerce thrive in the region.
He also proposed to issue work permits to Bangladeshi nationals to address the challenge of infiltration, to which the Union Minister said it would be discussed and examined.
Conrad also called on several other Union ministers in the national capital to brief them about the new initiatives conceptualised by the state government to push the agenda of growth and development.
Earlier on Monday, Conrad met DoNER Minister Jitendra Singh, Union Tourism Minister KJ Alphons and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Narendra Singh Tomar.
Nitin Gadkari
In his meeting with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, the chief minister discussed the need to expedite the ongoing road projects in Meghalaya with particular focus on the dilapidated roads connecting Tura and Baghmara, Baghmara and Ranikor, AMPT road, Nongstoin-Maweit and others.
Gadkari assured that all roads would be improved and enhanced with priority and consideration based on the scope of economic growth and to reduce travel time connecting the district headquarters and the state capital.
He sought a report on the realignment of the existing roads to reduce distance and facilitate better connectivity. The Union Minister assured cooperation to strengthen state PWD for better execution of works and asked for proposals for creating wayside amenities.
R K Singh
Conrad along with Power Minister James K. Sangma also called on Minister of State Independent Charge Power R K Singh. The Union Minister has set the agenda that all villages in Meghalaya should be electrified as early as possible.
Singh asked Meghalaya to take advantage of the Atal Jyoti Yojana to put up 2,000 solar streetlights in every constituency and also to tap the potential of solar energy by putting up roof-top solar panels in government establishments and institutions.
Singh said by April 1, 2019, the Centre wants to achieve the target of 24×7 power supply across India and Meghalaya has to play a pivotal role in the North East to enhance power connectivity.
On the request for hybrid renewable energy source, including solar, hydro and wind, by the chief minister, Singh said provisions are there and the ministry will expedite the process on submission of proposals from the state.
Kiren Rijiju
Conrad briefed Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju about law and order in the state and generally discussed on developmental issues and new initiatives which are being taken up by the government.
Rijiju promised to extend support to push the agenda of development in Meghalaya.
