Shillong, Sept 17: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday told the House that the MDA government has been the “most accommodating government” in the history of the State. At the same time, he also mentioned that the present government is picking up projects that were left midway by the previous government.
He made the remark while responding to the Short Notice Discussion on “Failure of the State Government”, which was raised by the opposition.
“Our government believes in discussion. We believe that through dialogue a solution can be arrived,” the Chief Minister said, while elaborately comparing the government of the past and the tenure of the MDA.
Projects in MDA versus MUA regime
He said that during the tenure of the Congress, various projects were sanctioned, however funds were not earmarked, and the MDA government has picked up those projects and is completing them.
He informed the House that MDA government took the onus for starting the construction of the new Assembly building, which is being completed by 2022.
Sangma also informed the House that the MDA government has been working with an objective to accelerate development in the State. He informed the House that there has been quantum jump in expenditure from Rs. 9000 cr in 2017-18 to Rs. 14000 cr in 2020-21.
“Implementation of the projects and schemes have been best in the history of Meghalaya. The expenditure has increased to about Rs. 5000 cr plus in the last three years, which goes to indicate clearly that this government has been performing,” the Chief Minister added.
He told the House that more that Rs. 8000 cr externally aided projects (EAPs) are currently being implemented in the State, which clearly indicates efficient utilization of the funds.
Focus on farmer welfare
Talking on various initiatives of the government, he said that no other governments ever thought about the welfare of the farmers, however, the MDA government has prioritized farmers welfare and introduced the “FOCUS” programme, Farmers Collectivization for Upscaling Production Marketing Systems, that aims to financially support and connect producers group to the market.
He said that MDA government has identified 4.5 lakh farmers, and have conceptualized the FOCUS programme to ensure direct transfer of funds. “This government has recognized farmers and entrepreneurs and have introduced various welfare programmes to leverage their economic activities,” the Chief Minister added.
He also blamed the previous government for introducing various programme like organic mission, Agar mission and Livestock mission, which has failed and the government had no official record of the amount spent in such programmes. He also categorically remarked that ills of the previous government are being corrected by the present government for the welfare and development of the State.
