Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K. Sangma termed the Budget 2019 presented by union minister for finance, Nirmala Sitharaman as ‘balanced and positive’.
Conrad Sangma stated that the budget allocation of Rs. 3000 crore for the ministry of development of northeastern region (DoNER) is a gesture that the central government is extending its continued support to ensure development and thrust to the Northeast.
On Friday, Sitharaman presented her maiden Union Budget and also the first budget of the second term in office of the NDA government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“The budget is very positive as it shows substantial increase of funds for infrastructure and road. The increase of fund for the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) from Rs 140 crore during 2018-19 to Rs 695 crore for 2019-20 will enable different states in the Northeast to further initiate large infrastructure activities,” the Meghalaya chief minister said in a statement.
According to the CM, the budget allocation for the Northeast under the North East Road Sector Development Scheme has been increased from Rs 391 crore during 2018-19 to Rs 666 crore for 2019-20.
“The budget has put its focus also on private entrepreneurship in value addition particularly in agriculture sector, which will enable Meghalaya and other states in the North Eastern Region, which has envisioned its focus to take agricultural business to its next level,” Conrad Sangma said.
He also expressed his gratitude to the central government for its thrust on investment in start-ups, and focus on Make in India in manufacturing and automobile sector.
“The focus on Digital India will go a long way in public delivery and efficient governance at all levels,” he added.
The chief minister stated that the proposal to expand the Swachh Bharat to include solid waste management in every village will pave way for taking the vision of Clean India to its next level.
He was also optimistic on the decision of the Centre for the new education policy that would propose changes in school and higher education.
