Shillong July 5: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma termed the Union Budget 2019 as “balanced and positive” which was presented by Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday.

“The budget is very positive as it shows substantial increase of funds for infrastructure and road,” Sangma said in a statement issued on Friday.

He said that the budget allocation at Rs. 3000 crore for the Ministry of DoNER is a gesture that the Government of India is extending its continued support to ensure development and thrust to the North Eastern Region.

Sangma also highlighted the increase of fund for the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) from Rs 140 crore during 2018-19 to Rs 695 crore for 2019-20 while stating that this would enable different states in the North East to further initiate large infrastructure activities.

He also expressed his positive remark over the increase of allocation under the North East Road Sector Development Scheme from Rs 391 crore during 2018-19 to Rs 666 crore for 2019-20.

“The budget has put its focus also on private entrepreneurship in value addition particularly in agriculture sector, which will enable Meghalaya and other states in the North Eastern Region, which has envisioned its focus to take agricultural business to its next level,” Conrad said, while expressing his gratitude to the Central government for its thrust on investment in start-ups, and focus on Make in India in manufacturing and automobile sector.

“The focus on Digital India will go a long way in public delivery and efficient governance at all levels,” he added.

The Chief Minister stated that the proposal to expand the Swacch Bharat to include solid waste management in every village will pave way for taking the vision of Clean India to its next level.

He was also optimistic that the decision of the Centre on the new education policy would propose changes in school and higher education.