Shillong, Apr 3: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday called on several Union Ministers in New Delhi and briefed them about new initiatives conceptualised by the Government to push forward agenda of growth and development in the State.

State Tourism Minister, Metbah Lyngdoh and State Power Minister, James K. Sangma also accompanied the Chief Minister and they also went to meet President, Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

During the meeting with Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, the Chief Minister sought her intervention on road connectivity between Bangladesh and Meghalaya while referring to the Shillong–Dhaka and Tura–Dhaka roads.

Swaraj has assured to consider the request and said that the issue would be taken up in the North East Chief Minister’s meeting to be held in New Delhi on May 4.

The External Affairs Minister also assured that all Central assistance would be extended to Meghalaya and other North Eastern states to improve relations with neigbouring nations to enhance trade and cultural ties.

The Union Minister at the same time, suggested the Chief Minister to take advantage of the good relationship with Bangladesh and said that all focus and thrust is being accorded for the North East under the Act East Policy.

The Chief Minister said Meghalaya shares over 440 km border with Bangladesh, which is being considered to devise a new strategy on “Act South” to ensure trade and commerce thrives in the region.

The Chief Minister proposed for issue of work permit to Bangladeshi nationals to address the challenge of infiltration, to which the Union Minister said that the issue would be discussed and examined.

CM meets Gadkari

The Chief also met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari and discussed at length the need to expedite ongoing road projects in Meghalaya with particular focus on dilapidated roads connecting Tura – Baghmara, Baghmara – Ranikor, AMPT road, Nongstoin – Maweit, among others.

Gadkari assured that all roads in Meghalaya would be improved and enhanced with priority and consideration based on the scope of economic growth and to reduce the travel time connecting the district headquarters and State capital.

The Union Minister also sought a report on the re-alignment of existing roads to reduce distance and facilitate better connectivity. Gadkari has assured all cooperation to strengthen State PWD for better execution of works and sought to know proposals for creating wayside amenities.

Meeting with Rijiju

The Chief Minister met MoS (Home Affairs), Kiren Rijiju and briefed him about the law and order situation in the State and generally discussed on developmental issues and new initiatives, being taken up by the Government.

Rijiju has assured to extend all cooperation and support to push the agenda of development in Meghalaya.

CM calls on R K Singh

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma along with State Power Minister James K. Sangma also called on Minister of State (Independent Charge) Power, R.K. Singh and discussed about the power scenario in the state.

The Union Minister has set the agenda that as early as possible, all villages in Meghalaya should be electrified.

Singh has assured all cooperation to strengthen electricity system in Meghalaya and asked the state to take advantage of the Atal Jyoti Yojana to put up 2000 solar streetlights in each constituency of the State and also tap the potential of solar energy by putting up roof top solar panels in Government establishments and institutions.

Singh said that by April 1, 2019, the Government of India wanted to achieve the target of 24×7 power supply across India, and Meghalaya has to play a pivotal role in the North East to enhance power connectivity.

On the request for hybrid renewable energy source including solar, hydro and wind by the Chief Minister, Singh said that provisions are there and the Ministry will expedite the process after receiving proposals from the State.