Centre Approves Meghalaya Fisheries Project

Project to cost Rs 94, 41, 40, 000

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: The central government has approved a proposal of the Meghalaya government for development of fisheries in the State at a total cost of Rs 94, 41, 40, 000.

Approving the proposal, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare stated that the Meghalaya government will have to ensure transfer of benefit in form of cash or kind to the beneficiaries directly to their bank accounts through ‘Direct Benefit Transfer’ and to also furnish the details of beneficiary name, Aadhaar number, mobile number and account number to the department as well as to the National Fisheries Development Board.

After approving the proposal of the Meghalaya government, the Ministry stated that the Government of India’s share under this centrally sponsored scheme has been worked out at Rs 51, 97, 90, 000.

The Ministry also informed that the first instalment of Rs 25, 98, 95, 000 will be released during 2018-19.

“The remaining central share shall be released only after fulfilment of information/documentation, submission of utilization certificates in respect of the central share released/utilized, submission of physical and financial progress reports and submission of details of the beneficiaries covered under the approved project,” the Ministry said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare also said that the state government shall ensure adequate arrangements for proper management and utilization of the facilities created under the project.

The Ministry also warned the state government that the facilities should not be used for any other purposes than the purpose for which they are created.

“In case the facilities created under this projects are utilized for other than the purposes for which they are created, then the state/beneficiary shall refund the entire central funds availed with 12 per cent interest per annum or bank interest accrued whichever is higher,” the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare warned.