By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 24: Leader of the Opposition Mukul Sangma on Tuesday sought detailed clarification in the Assembly regarding the state’s HUDCO loan liabilities, consultancy spending in the Transport department, and the ongoing land acquisition for Shillong Airport at Umroi.
Raising the issue of Housing & Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) Ltd borrowings, Sangma asked the government to disclose the total amount borrowed to date, the current repayment status, and whether principal and interest payments are on schedule. He also requested a status report on the physical and financial progress of projects funded by these loans.
Regarding consultancy expenditure, he pointed to the Meghalaya Integrated Transport Project (MITP) and questioned the necessity of additional services hired for an “economic growth vision” between September 2025 and February 2026. Noting that payments for this work are already being processed, Sangma urged the government to place on record the tangible outcomes and deliverables achieved.
On the expansion of Shillong Airport at Umroi, Sangma recalled that substantial public funds were previously spent on land acquisition and land-swapping arrangements with the Ministry of Defence. He questioned why additional funds are now being projected for further acquisition and sought details on the total land required versus the extent already acquired.
Sangma stressed that the House must be fully informed of the cumulative financial commitments and liabilities involving the state’s Consolidated Fund.
CMSDF transparency, rural-urban allocation
The Opposition leader also raised concerns over transparency, allocation patterns, and the exclusion of legislators from the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund (CMSDF) while speaking during a cut motion discussion in the Assembly regarding supplementary demands for grants.
Sangma insisted that the House must have full clarity on fund implementation and projected outcomes before approving further expenditure.
He recalled that the fund was originally split into two separate heads—the Chief Minister’s Special Rural Development Fund and the Chief Minister’s Special Urban Development Fund—to ensure balanced allocation. Following their merger into the single CMSDF, Sangma argued it has become difficult to track how much is being spent in rural areas versus urban centres.
The Opposition leader sought a detailed break-up of expenditures and project locations, questioning the methodology used to select schemes and beneficiaries.
He further noted that when the scheme was first conceptualised, MLAs were formally invited to submit proposals for consideration. However, Sangma claimed he has received no such communication in recent years, raising doubts over whether legislators are still engaged in recommending projects.
Stressing that every allocation must promote inclusive and equitable growth, Sangma urged the government to provide a categorical clarification on expenditure patterns and beneficiary selection for the additional funds sought under the CMSDF.
