Shillong, Sep 22: The state government has incurred Rs 22.56 crore during this financial year on 124 consultants appointed for different departments.
In reply to a question raised by Miani D Shira ( AITC- Ampati) in the Assembly, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said that the total number of consultants currently appointed specifically for externally aided projects is 59.
According to the chief minister, the consultants are technical experts, who are brought into the system on a task basis. They are engaged mainly for the centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) and externally-aided projects (EAPs).
Conrad said the cost for payment to the consultants has been incorporated within the project cost.
The chief minister said there are certain cases where the consultants are also empanelled and they can be used by the different departments.
Giving the example of unity mall project, the chief minister said Rs 130 crore was sanctioned for Meghalaya.
“We are among the only 3 states in th country that have been able to prepare for the project within 6 months. This is because we are able to get expert advice,” he said.
The government of India and EAPs have mandated the services of the consultants who are very highly technical, the chief minister said.
Further, the chief minister said local people are benefiting as they are engaged and trained by consultants.
