‘Since 2018, state budget up from Rs 9,000 cr to Rs 32,000 cr’
Shillong, April 19: The MDA government led by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma is ensuring development across all 60 constituencies, including those held by opposition MLAs, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said on Saturday.
“Under the leadership of the Chief Minister, the MDA government is spreading development across all 60 constituencies,” he said during inauguration of projects worth over Rs 100 crore at Wahiajer in West Jaintia Hills district.
“It is only this government, led by the NPP, that extends development even to constituencies represented by opposition MLAs,” the Nartiang MLA asserted.
Stating that no constituency has been left out in the development process, he said, “The government is bringing huge development to New Shillong and to different constituencies. That is the MDA government led by the NPP.”
Lauding Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong for his initiatives in infrastructure growth, Dhar said, “We are proud to have Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong as in-charge of PWD for the past eight years. I am proud that, in terms of infrastructure development, Meghalaya is at the forefront.”
He announced that foundation stone of the mega highway project from Silchar to Lad Umroi worth over Rs 21,800 crore will soon be laid by the Prime Minister.”
“This four-lane greenfield project that will pass through this area (Wahiajer),” he said.
Referring to “balanced allocation” of schemes among constituencies, he said, “I want to share my happiness about the development in my constituency. We have a Deputy Chief Minister in charge of PWD who is not biased and looks after all 60 constituencies.”
“In West Khasi Hills, new roads are coming up. In almost every department — whether health, tourism, or water — development is being extended equally to all constituencies. We are distributing the budget in such a manner that no department is underestimated.”
Mentioning about the enhanced budget for tourism, he said, “Earlier, the Tourism Department hardly received a budget of Rs 20 crore. But ever since the MDA government came to power, a minimum of thousands of crores is being sanctioned for this department annually.”
He referred to the rise in state expenditure, saying, “The Chief Minister has stated in every budget speech that in 2018, the state budget was only Rs 9,000 crore, and within eight years it has increased to Rs 32,000 crore.”
Asserting the work culture ensured by MDA government, he said, “We do not have time to pay attention to those who blame the government, as we are busy working to serve the people and the state.”
“If the government were not working, people would not even have a chance to blame us. People throw stones only at a tree that bears fruit,” he remarked.
On upcoming initiatives, Dhar said, “We will bring development projects worth crores of rupees to the entire state. The state will be hosting the National Games. Among 27–28 states in India, Meghalaya, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, has been able to secure host status despite competition from bigger states.”
Responding to criticism over musical concerts featuring international artists, he said, “Because of these artists, Meghalaya is now known globally. People ask, ‘Where is this Shillong that these artists are going to?’ There is a time for everything in life.”
On ministers not being able to spend time in respective constituencies, “As politicians, many times we do not get time to visit our constituencies because we are busy in the Secretariat, pursuing development projects for the state. Therefore, it is good to appreciate the government and its good work. If you appreciate, we as politicians get motivated to work even harder.”
