Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Meghalaya counterpart Conrad K. Sangma met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday, seeking greater central support to accelerate Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) in the two northeastern states.
The discussions centred on boosting capital expenditure across the Northeast and expanding investment opportunities in physical and social infrastructure.
In a post on X following the meeting, Sarma said the two chief ministers urged the Centre to provide fresh momentum to EAPs being implemented in Assam and Meghalaya.
“We made a strong case to bring a new impetus to the pace of Externally Aided Projects in both of our states, which will open new investment channels for physical and social infrastructure,” Sarma said.
According to the Assam Chief Minister, Sitharaman responded positively to their proposal and assured them of the Centre’s support in advancing the region’s development priorities.
Externally Aided Projects typically involve financial assistance from international development institutions and are used to fund projects across sectors such as infrastructure and social development.
The meeting assumes significance as Assam and Meghalaya look to mobilise additional resources for development initiatives and accelerate investment in key sectors.
Sarma said the engagement with the Union Finance Minister was part of efforts to strengthen capital spending and give further momentum to the Northeast’s development agenda.