Shillong, Dec 21: Meghalaya is looking towards support from Centre on infrastructure, digital empowerment, financial inclusion, urban development, water sustainability, and women’s empowerment. With targeted support, the state aims to overcome its unique challenges and contribute to India’s overall growth.
During the Pre-Budget consultations in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan on Friday, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma, presented a memorandum outlining the critical development needs of the State to Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Meghalaya has outlined several critical needs for the upcoming Union Budget, focusing on addressing its unique geographical, economic, and infrastructural challenges. These needs aim to accelerate development, promote inclusivity, and enhance the quality of life for its citizens. Here’s what Meghalaya requires:
1. Infrastructure Development
(a)Continuation and Expansion of SASCI Scheme: Meghalaya seeks continued support under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme with an increased allocation of ₹1,50,000 crore.
(b) Special Allocation for Northeastern States: A dedicated ₹10,000 crore fund under SASCI for seven Northeastern states (excluding Assam) to address higher infrastructure costs caused by difficult terrain.
2. Digital Transformation
Citizen Digital Service Delivery Centers (CDSDCs): Establishment of 1,000 CDSDCs to deliver government services and promote digital literacy in rural areas. These centers aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly in remote regions.
3. Rural Development and Livelihoods
(a)Support for Village Organizations (VOs): Financial assistance for building 1,000 VO service centers to provide safe spaces for women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs), fostering entrepreneurship and rural economic growth.
4. Financial Inclusion
(a)Improved Banking Services:
(b)Expansion of rural banking networks by doubling the number of branches in underserved areas.
(c)Additional resources for single-staff rural bank branches to enhance service delivery.
(d)Incentives for Business Correspondents (BCs) to improve financial penetration in remote areas.
5. Urban Development
(a)Increased AMRUT Allocations: Higher funding for schemes like AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0 to address urban infrastructure gaps in hilly cities and the Northeast.
(b)Dedicated Urban Budget for NER: A focused budget for Northeastern states to meet their distinct urban planning and development needs.
6. Water Supply Sustainability
(a)Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Support: A 50-50 cost-sharing mechanism for operation and maintenance of rural water systems over 2-3 years to ensure sustainable water supply under the JJM initiative.
7. Women Empowerment
(a)Expansion of Lakhpati Didi Initiative:
(b)Raising the loan ceiling for SHG members from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
(c)Offering an additional 3% interest subvention for timely repayments, encouraging SHG-led economic activities.
8. Economic Equity and Growth
Meghalaya has also sought equitable attention in national schemes, recognizing that its geographical and financial challenges require special consideration to ensure parity in development outcomes.
