Shillong, Sept 10: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong today met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi and submitted memorandum requesting the Ministry of Finance to incentivise national banks and prioritize the setting up of new bank branches in rural areas to increase the reach of banking system in the State.
The Chief Minister also submitted a memorandum requesting the Government of India to increase Meghalaya’s share of central taxes. The Union Minister was also apprised on the overall financial position of Meghalaya.
After meeting Union Finance Minister, Chief Minister and Dy Chief Minister also met Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur and discussed on way forward for initiating externally funded World Bank & New Development Bank projects in the state. He was also apprised of the 3 externally aided projects that focus on Health, Tourism & Road Infrastructure development in the State.
The Chief Minister and Dy CM also met Union Minister for Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairying Giriraj Singh and discussed prospects and interventions to be taken up in the State to promote cattle breeding, piggery and fisheries for economic growth and sustainable development.
The duo also called on Minister of State Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Arjun M Meghwal and discussed various issues related to the introduction of electric vehicles, particularly for short distance public transport.
Later in the day, Chief Minister met Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi as part of his visit to the capital today. In the meeting, Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the Union Minister and the Ministry for funding the construction of P. A. Sangma Stadium in Tura.
The Chief Minister intimated him about the progress of the project and stated that the tendering process has started and the construction work of the stadium will commence in a month and a half.
In the meeting, they discussed the proposal for setting up of a Training Centre for Paramedical Staff in Meghalaya, which will be a hub and a skill institute that will cater to the entire North East.
“Considering the situation of Covid-19 today and the need for skilled manpower, the institute will add value to our healthcare system in the region”, the Chief Minister said. Apart from the Institute, the Chief Minister also discussed and requested for an auditorium to be set up in Tura
The Chief Minister informed that the meeting ended in a positive note with the Union Minister assuring to look into both the matters.
