Centre Announced Rs 200 crore Package for 2 Projects, Shillong

NATIONAL SPORTS CENTRE & COMPOSITE REGIONAL CENTRE

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawar Chand Gehlot on Thursday announced a financial package of Rs 200 crore for developing the National Sports Centre and the establishment of the Composite Regional Centre that will cater to the differently abled persons. Speaking at the ‘Samajik Adhikarita Shivir’ programme here, Gehlot declared the financial aid for both the projects.

The announcement by the Union Minister came as a boon to the State government’s endeavor to generate funds and resources needed for the various stadia for the 2022 National Games in Shillong. The assurances also came along with the pat on the back of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma for his swiftness in taking decisions. “I asked the Chief Minister if he could provide 25 acres of land for the National Sports Centre and he replied that he would give 50 acres of land for the project,” stated Gehlot.

On the Composite Regional Centre of international standard that will cater to the needs of the differently abled persons, the Union Minister declared that out of the seven centers that will be spread throughout the country, Shillong will be the chosen one in the eastern region. “If space (land) is there, we will start immediately by preparing the detailed project report (DPR),” pointed out Gehlot, adding, “To make the beginning, it can be started from some 8-10 rented rooms.

Exhorting the beneficiaries of the Samajik Adhikarita Shivir to avail of the multiple Central schemes, the Union Minister also took a subtle jibe at the Congress-led Government. He said that though schemes were available in the period before 2014-15, they only existed in papers and very little was done in terms of implementing them.

Gehlot further said that “it is the biggest camp in the North East and the message is that the public should know about the schemes and get to see and know about the quality of products they are getting.” There are almost 7000 beneficiaries in Shillong and Tura in the two-day camp, and the Central Government is spending almost Rs 7 crores.

Dwelling on the camp, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that such schemes are part of the government’s attempt to bring in inclusiveness.