Shillong: Meghalaya has achieved a remarkable tenfold increase in funding for Externally Aided Projects (EAPs), soaring from ₹1,300 crore to ₹11,324 crore for 16 projects over the past seven years, as announced by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma during the assembly’s autumn session on Thursday. This significant growth marks Meghalaya as the leading state among smaller regions, especially in the northeast, showcasing its efficient utilization of resources. Sangma highlighted that the Union Finance Ministry has had to impose a cap on the disbursement of funds for EAPs to states, as Meghalaya has been securing a majority of these projects.
While the state finances 28 percent of EAP funds, the central government covers the remaining 78 percent, which is described as a loan but essentially acts as a grant because the amounts are repaid to various funding organizations. Sangma, who also oversees the finance portfolio, described this as a “great source of funding” for the state. In response to queries from opposition member Adelbert Nongrum of the Voice of the People Party, he detailed that funds allocated through the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) for work projects over the last three years amounted to ₹17.70 crore in 2022-23, ₹24 crore in 2023-24, and a projected ₹182.30 crore for 2024-25.
Sangma noted that these funds are primarily intended for innovative, cross-sectoral projects. Highlighting the ongoing projects, he mentioned the rejuvenation initiatives in the catchment areas of Shillong and Tura, aimed at ensuring a consistent water supply for residents. Although there are no full-time government employees at the MBDA, Sangma reported that 729 local youths are currently employed under its programs, emphasizing that the recruitment process was handled with professionalism and transparency.
In light of skepticism expressed by the opposition leader Mukul Sangma from the Trinamool Congress regarding MBDA’s project implementations, the Chief Minister reassured that all stakeholders are being actively engaged and that information is transparently accessible on the MBDA website.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/meghalaya-records-tenfold-increase-in-externally-aided-projects-funding-in-last-7-years-cm-conrad/articleshow/123833323.cms
Category:
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-09-11 19:58:00
