Shillong, Feb 1: I thank hon’ble Union Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting a forward looking and futuristic budget. I am glad that the Government of India’s vision for Amrit Kaal is aligned with our vision for ‘The Meghalayan Decade’. The special impetus for holistic development of youth, women, and farmers is in line with our focus and approach towards our vision of being among the top 10 states in 10 years. In the union budget for 2022-23, the estimated expenditure is Rs. 39.45 Lakh Cr, and estimated receipt is Rs. 24.84 Lakh Cr, which will enable our GDP to grow at 9.2%.
2. I am happy that our suggestions during the budget discussion meeting in last December to increase outlay under the Scheme for Financial Assistance to the States has been well accepted, now Meghalaya would benefit by Rs. 100 Cr more in this year itself. Additionally, Rs. 1 lakh crore has been allocated to assist the states through fifty-year interest free loans over and above the normal borrowings. This will drive the economy of Meghalaya along with the national economy at an accelerated pace in these tough pandemic times.
3. I am elated that PM-DevINE (Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North-East) will be implemented through the North-Eastern Council and it aims to enable livelihood activities for youth and women by filling the gaps in various sectors with initial allocation of Rs. 1,500 cr. I express my gratitude towards the Government of India for giving special attention to the North Eastern States and their aspirations. As part of this initiative, we have plans to pose a project for the construction of new administrative city in Shillong.
4. Dedicated initiatives like Mission Shakti, Mission Vatsalya, Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 were launched by central government to provide integrated benefits to women and children. I appreciate the steps taken to construct 2 Lakh Saksham Anganwadis with improved infrastructure for early child development. I welcome the initiative for the National Digital Health Ecosystem which will further streamline the health service in our country and increase the accessibility to health infrastructure benefits.
5. The budget has laid special allocation for our farmers to leverage digital and hi-tech services, including use of Kisan drones and comprehensive package in horticulture sector. I am hopeful that our farmers would be greatly benefitted through these programs.
6. The budget’s emphasis on skill development of our youth is commendable. I applaud the plan to create digital ecosystem for skilling and livelihood, digital university and digital courses in it is. I am sure the youth of Meghalaya would leverage such opportunities to upskill and train themselves.
7. I welcome commitment to infrastructure development through initiatives such as unified logistics interface platform – ULIP, National Ropeways Development program, and most importantly the expansion of National Highways network.
8. On top of it all, I am overwhelmed by the commitment of the Government of India for inclusive development through financial inclusion of farmers, and senior citizen in rural areas through multiple initiatives such as linking of post offices, digital banking etc.
