SHILLONG, Feb 14 (NNN): Meghalaya became the second state in India after Bihar to conduct a Pre Budget Exercise on Budgetary Resource Allocation for Garo Hills having been successfully conducted here today, at the Multi- Facility Centre, DRDA Building, Tura. The programme is being held for the first time in the state to seek suggestions and views of common people in formulating the 2012-2013state budget. The exercise attempts to receive views and opinions from all stakeholders in the interest of better governance and the participation of the public in the state’s budgeting process.
Meghalaya chief minister Dr Mukul Sangma, chairing the pre budget exercise, said that 2012-13 is a critical financial year as it would determine the approach to the 12th Five Year Plan. He said that the proposals and deliberations of all concerned would be taken into consideration before the final preparation of the state budget. He informed that the government is keen on making the state free of BPL families and to keep pace with the rest of the country. “Therefore, the focus is on natural and human resources which are the main strength of the state keeping in mind maximum exploitation of the renewable resources,” Mukul said.
Referring to the state’s flagship programme the Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Programme (IBDP), he said that it is a complete structured strategy designed for the complete well being of the state.
Interacting with various sections of the society Mukul Sangma informed that Human Resource Development and Health are two important sectors that are given top priority. He added that the Tura Civil Hospital now has an Intensive Care Unit which has facilities of a high standard. Commenting on various issues raised by the house on education, the Chief Minister said that the huge areas of deficiency in education will be corrected and support by the government will be linked to performance.
The pre budget exercise was attended by Mrs Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister, Urban Affairs, Mr H.S. Lyngdoh, MLA, Shri Saleng Sangma, Minister, C & RD, Mr A.T. Mondal, Minister, Power etc, Mr Sayeedullah Nongrum, MLA, Mr Augustine D Marak, MLA, Mr P.K. Sangma, CEM, GHADC, Mr Zenith Sangma, Co-Chairman State Planning Board, Mr W.M.S. Pariat, Chief Secretary, Mr B.K. Dev Verma, Additional Chief Secretary, Mr R.M. Mishra, Principal Secretary,Planning, Mr K.S. Kropha, Principal Secretary, Revenue, besides senior citizens, academicians, representatives from various NGO’s and officials from different departments.
The house deliberated on a number of important issues relating to unemployment, women’s empowerment, power, safe drinking water and food security, fuel security, health, education etc and its incorporation in the final state budget.
Among the prominent citizens of Tura, Dr Milton Sangma, Pro Vice Chancellor of ICFAI, Mrs Sharlene Sawkmie, Bethany Society, Mr Obedstone Marak, Businessman and Mr Sangra Sangma, academician presented their opinions during the discussion.