Meghalaya’s quota was over, but Union Finance Minister, after seeing the performance of our state, was happy to give additional projects of Rs 2,500 crore through the World Bank.
– Conrad K Sangma, Chief Minister
Shillong, May 28: The Centre has cleared additional Rs 2,500-crore externally-aided projects (EAPs) for Meghalaya as demanded by local MLAs for a long time, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Thursday.
Informing about the clearance of long-pending projects as sought by MLAs on Thursday, the Chief Minister termed the development as a “historic day” for Meghalaya.
“Today is a historic day, and I am very happy that large number of projects designed and wanted by local MLAs for very long time has happened today,” Sangma said while laying foundation stones for road projects in East Jaintia Hills.
“I am very sure that these projects will bring large economic growth in these areas,” he added.
Sangma said Meghalaya’s EAP quota had been exhausted, but the Centre approved additional funding after reviewing the state’s performance.
“Meghalaya quota was over, but Union Finance Minister, after seeing the performance of our state, was happy to give additional projects of Rs 2,500 crore through the World Bank,” Sangma said.
“It is because of her kindness and of the kindness of Prime Minister that these projects were cleared,” he added.
Sangma said the first project he thought of after the sanction was a road repeatedly flagged by local MLA Santa Mary Shylla.
“When this project was sanctioned again the same question came to my mind, because when this money came in, the first face that came to me in my vision was Kong Santa,” he said.
“She comes to my office every day and says, ‘Sir please remember that road’…, so when this Rs 2,500 crore was sanctioned, the first person I remember was Kong Santa and the first project that came to my mind was this project,” the Chief Minister said.
“I said even if we cannot do any other projects, this project has to be done, this should be in the first batch,” he added.
Sangma said the tender process is complete and work will be allotted soon. “We have already tendered the work and we expect that in the next 45 days the work will be allotted and I am sure that as soon as work season starts, the work will start,” he said.
He lauded Shylla’s efforts for her constituency. “I congratulate Kong Santa and wish her very best. Your commitment and dedication to your people is truly inspiring… I see you every day, struggling with commitment and hard work to make a difference in your constituency,” Sangma said.
On the pending indoor stadium, the Chief Minister said the state would support its completion.
“Regarding indoor stadium, I would be happy to contribute to complete it. Most of the work is done. It is just the cover on the side which is left,” he said.
