Meghalaya annual plan outlay at Rs 1500 crore

Shillong, Apr 30 (UNI) The Planning Commission has fixed the annual plan outlay for Meghalaya at Rs 1500 crore for 2008-09, up from Rs 1120 crore in 2007-08.

A release issued here today said the outlay was decided yesterday at a meeting between Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister highlighted the priorities for Meghalaya, which are mainly development of the power sector, infrastructure such as roads and bridges, rural development, poverty alleviation employment generation social sector development, decentralized planning and border areas development among others.

Dr Roy also stressed the need for more funds to complete the ongoing Myntdu-Leshka hydel power projects, including important transmission lines from Misa to Byrnihat and from Umiam to Mawngap.

The Chief Minister also stressed the government's desire to make Meghalaya an educational hub.

Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia assured the chief minister that the Centre would extend all possible financial assistance to the state to meet its requirement for development requirement.

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