Shillong, Nov 27: Dr Y V Reddy, Chairman, Prof. Abhijit Sen, Ms Sushama Nath, Dr M Govinda Rao and Dr Sudipto Mundle, Members of the Fourteenth Finance Commission and Shri A N Jha, Secretary visited the State of Meghalaya on November 26-27, 2013 to hold consultations with the State Government and key stake holders.
The Commission met with the Hon’ble Chief Minister, his cabinet colleagues and senior officers of the State Government, for discussions.
The Chief Minister, Meghalaya highlighted that the state has Poor infrastructure facilities in the State like road, railways and power; High cost of public delivery facilities and maintenance cost of infrastructure facilities like roads and power transmission lines due to heavy rainfall and difficult terrain situations.
The Chief Minister point out also the challenges in inviting private investment in the State, He further enumerated the efforts made by the State Government and the steps taken to develop infrastructure facilities and attract investment in the State. He urged the commission to consider the above challenges before the state and requested support for Investment in power sector, specially to tap the renewable energy resources.
Since Meghalaya ia a land lock state, it need to convert all roads into all-weather roads, conversion of timber bridges into permanent ones and replacement of old and outdated power transmission lines with new lines; investment in tourism sector to develop Shillong as integrated centre for sport and culture and its connectivity with other prime tourist destinations of the country;The state of Meghalaya has limited resource which the state is facing in providing gainful employment to the youth and make them employable.
Coming to security related issued the Chief minister said that Problem of the NE in general and Meghalaya in particular, have to be understood in holistic manner.Development of employable skill and self-employment – Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Promotion Program of the Government of Meghalaya to develop such skills.
The State Government submitted their Memorandum and made a detailed presentation on the finances of the State Government, its projection for the award period and gave their views on some of the Terms of Reference of the Commission. The Commission also interacted with representatives of Political parties, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban local bodies and Trade and Industry Associations.
The Commission placed on record its appreciation to the Chief Minister and State Government for the cooperation and support extended to the Commission and assured that the issues raised will receive due attention in the deliberation of the Commission. The Commission also looks forward to continuing interaction with the State Government.
The Commission will finalise its recommendation by October 2014 after completing its discussions with all the State Governments, the Government of India and relevant stake holders said Mr A N Jha secretary fourteenth Fiance Commission in the press statement.(SP News)
