Shillong, Aug 26: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had sought the Centre’s assistance to enhance the state’s ceiling for externally aided project (EAP) for National Games and NEIGRIHMS issues.
During his recent visit to New Delhi, the Chief Minister met Union DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and flagged the two agendas.
Stating that the state’s EAP ceiling has remained at Rs 5,000 crore since the last Finance Commission period, Sangma said, “We requested Rs 15,000 crore and appealed that it be at least doubled to Rs 10,000 crore.”
He mentioned that he sought Scindia’s support to in working with the Finance Ministry to increase EAP ceiling for Northeastern states.
“Meghalaya is one of the better performers and 90 percent of the loan is paid back by the Government of India,” he said.
The Chief Minister also sought the DoNER Ministry’s support for infrastructure work.
“Though Meghalaya is hosting (National Games), every state in the Northeast will host at least one discipline. In the spirit of the Northeast, DoNER support would be ideal. He said he will examine it and we will make a presentation after the session,” Sangma said.
On his meeting with Union Health Minister JP Nadda, Sangma said, “I reiterated our request to grant Institute of National Importance status to NEIGRIHMS. The minister positively accepted and said it is something NEIGRIHMS should have. I am hopeful it will go through.”
He said recruitment issues at NEIGRIHMS were also discussed.
“The minister was already aware of the issues and said we need to find ways to promote and help our local youth get maximum recruitment opportunities,” Sangma added.
