Shillong (Meghalaya), Dec 20: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has presented a memorandum to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, seeking a massive allocation of over ₹1.5 lakh crore for development projects in the state.
The memorandum, presented during the pre-budget consultations in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, outlines the state’s critical development needs, focusing on four key areas: enhancing infrastructure, promoting digital services, supporting rural livelihoods, and improving financial inclusion in Meghalaya.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of continuing and augmenting the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, which has been instrumental in enabling states, particularly those in the Northeast, to undertake vital capital projects that stimulate economic growth and improve citizens’ quality of life.
The SASCI scheme has been a game-changer for Meghalaya, enabling the state to undertake critical infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and power transmission lines. The Chief Minister’s request for an increased allocation under the SASCI scheme is aimed at further accelerating the state’s development momentum.
With the Union Budget just around the corner, the people of Meghalaya are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the Chief Minister’s request. Will the Centre accede to Meghalaya’s wishes and allocate the sought-after funds? Only time will tell.