SHILLONG, AUG 16: Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma announced the proposed implementation of a new housing scheme “Meghalaya Affordable Housing Scheme” (MAHS) where houses will be constructed by the government for the economically weaker sections during his 67th Independence Day celebration address at Polo ground on Thursday.
Sangma informed that the MAHS will replace the rural housing scheme. Under the new scheme, low income group and middle income group rental houses in the district headquarters will
also be constructed for providing accommodation to government employees.
Delivering his ceremonial Independence Day address, Sangma also reminded that despite its relative size in the Indian federation, Meghalaya also had its fair share of contribution in the freedom struggle and this is an apt occasion to reverently remember with pride the contribution of U Tirot Sing, U Kiang Nangbah, Pa Togan Sangma and many other unsung heroes.
Sangma also reemphasized that to build a great nation or state it is important to abjure violence as it impedes the growth of the nation state. He said ever issue can be resolved through dialogue and meaningful engagement. Sangma also admitted that the internal security in the state continues to be a matter of concern and a series of incidents involving militants in Garo hills have vitiated the security environment in certain pockets of the state. He said the government is fully aware of its responsibility and promised to deal with this challenge with a firm hand.
During the course of his speech Sangma touched on issues of illegal immigration, influx, long pending inter-state boundary dispute with Assam, international border with Bangladesh etc. which have been confronting us for long, the National Population Register, legislative measures to tackle the issue of influx and border trade with Bangladesh.
Sangma also said that the planning commission has approved a plan size of Rs 4,151 crore for 2013 for Meghalaya and several new initiatives are planned during the current financial year. He said that the government efforts have been made to increase the plan outlay over the years.
Sangma said, “We have projected an outlay of Rs 27,027 crore for the twelfth plan with a targeted corresponding growth rate of 11% against the growth rate of 8.1% achieved during the eleventh plan period.”
Sangma said to ensure faster economic growth, priorities have been accorded in the twelfth plan for appropriate interventions aimed at (a) reducing intra-State disparities, (b) encouraging investments, (c) making convergence a reality, (d) tapping emerging opportunities in border trade and commerce, (e) promoting human resource development & building specific skills, (f) bridging infrastructure gaps and (g) improving connectivity. He also informed that equal emphasis has also been laid on the need for livelihood creation at a rapid pace and the need to leverage natural resources in a scientific and environment friendly manner.- By Our Reporter
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