Shillong, Aug 14: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has reiterated his appeal to the Centre to lift the ceiling on externally aided projects (EAPs) so that smaller states like Meghalaya get access to more central funds.
The Chief Minister took up the issue with the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during his recent visit to New Delhi.
“My main agenda was to request the Union Minister not to impose any ceiling on externally aided projects. We have urged her again that if the ceiling is not there, it will help in supporting especially states like Meghalaya,” Sangma told reporters on Thursday while briefing on his Delhi visit.
Informing that several new EAPs for Meghalaya have already received approval, he said, “Beyond what has been approved, we have urged that the ceiling be removed so that we can apply for more schemes in the future.”
On his meeting with Union Minister of State for Ayush, Pratap Rao Jadhav, he said he had sought an expansion of NEIAH Shillong with facilities like herbal gardens and sports infrastructure for students.
“That meeting was very positive, and I am hoping for a positive response from the ministry,” he said.
On environment issues, he said he took up MEPRF fund implementation with the Union Forest Minister. The fund is overseen by a central committee headed by an Additional Secretary.
“We have urged them that if proposals are cleared on a regular basis, it will help us implement the scheme faster. I am very happy that after my meeting, the Chairman held a meeting 3-4 days back, and the pending proposals have been cleared,” Sangma added.
