SHILLONG, FEB 17: Meghalaya has engaged 36 individual consultants and 59 consultancy firms to support its development programmes, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma told the Assembly on Tuesday, adding that payments are strictly linked to deliverables.

“The total annual expenditure on monthly remuneration for individual consultants is Rs 4.35 crore for 2024-25,” Sangma said. He clarified that consultancy firms are not paid salaries but receive fees tied to contracted deliverables. “If they fail to deliver, they will not get paid.”

Replying to a supplementary query from opposition VPP legislator from Mawryngkneng Heaving Stone Kharpran, the chief minister noted that 19 of the 36 individual consultants — about 52 percent — are local professionals with qualifications in management, agriculture and environmental sciences.

“As we move along, we ensure our people’s capacity is built up to take on responsibilities that required global expertise,” he said.

Sangma explained that most consultants are hired project-by-project for specialised tasks such as preparing detailed project reports, environmental and social safeguards, and procurement processes mandated by the World Bank and ADB.

“The powers given to government officials cannot be taken away. The agency comes just to support the system. The primary role is to support the system, not to interfere with the system,” he clarified.

On funding, Sangma said Meghalaya has mobilised about Rs 12,000 crore in externally aided projects (EAPs), making it the highest among small states and comparable to larger ones.

“There are lots of work involved. You need to have the capacity to absorb the funds. Meghalaya has been able to present itself and get the funds,” he said, citing examples such as the Rs 200 crore Sohra project, the smart city mission and Unity Mall, where the state was among the first to submit proposals and secure approvals.

Responding to UDP legislator Paul Lyngdoh, Sangma said conflict-of-interest clauses should exist to prevent consultants from working for firms bidding in departments where they advise.

“It is a natural process, it should be there and should be done,” he said, adding that he would revert with details.

The total payment to consultancy firms stands at Rs 131 crore, of which Rs 116 crore is covered under administrative expenditure permissible under EAPs. The state has spent Rs 10 crore so far.

“Consultants are appointed project-to-project basis. Their service is over when the project is over,” Sangma noted.

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