Meghalaya to use budgetary allocation for development

Shillong, July 11 (UNI) Bureaucrats in Meghalaya have pledged not to surrender even a single ''paisa'' out of the annual budgetary allocation for the state and utilise the money for all round development and expedite implementation of the welfare schemes.

The secretaries of the various government departments have also pledged to utilise even the last penny and keep alternative plans on a stand by, Chief Secretary Ranjan Chatterjee told reporters here today.

The State had to surrender an unutilised amount of Rs 50 crore during the last fiscal to the Centre, Mr Chatterjee said and stressed on streamlining the administration.

Mr Chatterjee said the government has, for the first time, appointed a commissioner in charge of 'infrastructure co-ordination' among various government departments.

The newly appointed commissioner, V S Oberoi would ensure enhanced co-ordination between the departments with the aim to expedite implementation of welfare schemes and galvanise the state resources, the Chief Secretary said.

''We have a very competent team of officers, but various departments have been functioning 'individually' keeping in view their own respective interests. We need to put our acts together and run like a team for fruitful development of the State,'' he said.

On the reopening of the long closed traditional border 'haats', the Chief Secretary said Union Foreign Affairs Secretary has 'successfully' prevailed upon Bangladesh on the need for reopening of the 'haats', fencing of the porous boundary and disallowing militant outfits of the state to carry out nefarious activities from the neighbouring country.

Mr Chatterjee further informed that the formulation of the mining policy of the state was in its final stages. ''It is expected to be completed by August,'' he said.

UNI