Shillong, Aug 13: Union Minister Bishweswar Tudu is unhappy with the state’s progress in various central schemes.
Tudu, who is the minister of state for Jal Shakti programme and Tribal Affairs, said on Saturday that the state on an average was able to achieve only 30-40% in all the central schemes.
“We have suggested to the state to achieve what we have given the period (for completion of such schemes),” he added.
The MoS was on a two-day visit to the state capital for reviewing the implementation of the various central schemes in Meghalaya.
He also directed the state administration to take leaders of all political parties into consideration.
“This is because there are allegations that only proposals of ruling parties elected representatives were being considered but not those from other parties. Therefore, it has also been directed, suggested and advised to take them (other parties) into consideration,” he said.
On the status of the Ekalavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) sanctioned by the tribal ministry, Tudu said there are those which are under construction and yet to be completed and there are others where tendering process is not completed.
“We have asked them to complete the EMRS before 2024,” he said, adding, “This is the duty of the state government to start (the work) immediately. When I reach Delhi. I will talk to ensure the work starts immediately otherwise if the agency to which the work is awarded it will be withdrawn and other agency will be given.”
The minister stressed the need to rejuvenate water bodies to address the problem of water crisis. “The state government has identified many water bodies for rejuvenation so that the water capacity can be increased.”
Tudu visited the water treatment plant at Mawphlang on Saturday.
On the delay to complete the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme Phase-III, the MoS admitted that he also witnessed the blue pipes that are lying along the road while travelling to Mawphlang and said action will be taken if the project is not completed within the stipulated period.
“I have already told them…if they don’t complete they will be penalized,” he said.
