MoS asks govt to submit proposal

SHILLONG, JUNE 21: Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs John Barla on Tuesday asked the state government to submit a proposal for development of Meghalaya.

“I have asked the state government to send a proposal for development of Meghalaya,” Barla told reporters.

The union minister said there is total lack of awareness about the central schemes in the state.

“Many schemes are not being implemented in the state due to lack of awareness,” he said while adding that nobody has applied the Padho Pardesh scheme, which seeks to provide loans up to Rs 20-30 lakh for students who want to pursue higher education in other countries.

Barla asserted the need for both centre and state governments to work together for the development of the people of the state.

Under his ministry, he said there are many things that can be done like setting up of residential schools, hospitals, health centres, community halls and others.

“However, the proposal has to come from the state as the centre is always ready to help. If they come one foot, we will go two feet for the development of Meghalaya,” the MoS assured.

He informed that Rs 247 crore has been sanctioned under the ministry for construction of stadium, health centres, women hostels, sports complex, shopping complex and work is going on in full swing.

On his meeting with the state health minister James K Sangma at the International Yoga Day held at NEHU, Barla said, “We discussed and I said you please send me a proposal…they will come to Delhi and we will sit to discuss development for the future.”

Earlier during his four-day visit to the state, Barla also met leaders of different religious groups in the state. He said the religious institutions are doing a good job in running institutions like education, health care and social work but they did not take any benefit from the ministry due to lack of awareness.

“If you will not apply then how can the development of Meghalaya take place?” he asked.

In view of this, Barla said the state government has been requested to have an awareness camp to sensitize the masses about the various schemes under the ministry and the government of India.

By Our Reporter