Budget is Balanced and Positive, Says Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma

A Correspondent

SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has termed the Union Budget as “balanced” and “positive”.

He said that increased budget allocation for DoNER to Rs 3,000 crore is a gesture that the Centre is extending its continued support to ensure development and thrust to the northeastern region.

He said that the budget is very positive as it shows substantial increase of funds for infrastructure and road. “Increase of North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) from Rs 140 crore of 2018-19 to Rs 695 crore 2019-20 will enable the different States of the Northeast to further initiate large infrastructure activities,” he said.

He also expressed his positive remark for increase allocation under the North East Road Sector Development Scheme from Rs 391 crore of 2018-19 to Rs 666 crore in 2019-20.

He also expressed his gratitude to the Central Government for its thrust on investment in startups, and focus on ‘Make in India’ in the manufacturing and automobile sectors. “The focus on Digital India will go a long way in public delivery and efficient governances at all levels,” he added.

The Chief Minister expressed that the proposal to expand Swacch Bharat to include solid waste management in every village will pave way for taking the vision of ‘Clean India’ to its next level.

He expressed optimism on the decision of the Centre for the new education policy that would propose changes in school and higher education.

He said that the budget has put its focus also on private entrepreneurship in value addition particularly in the agriculture sector, which will enable a State like Meghalaya to take agricultural business to its next level.

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