Shillong, Oct 25: Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Thaawarchand Gehlot on Thursday announced that his Ministry has decided to build a Rs 200 crore National Sports Stadium of international standard for differently-abled in Meghalaya, besides a Composite Regional Centre.
This announcement was made during the Samajik Adhikarita Shivir, (aids and assistive devices distribution camp) for the differently abled persons under the Assistance to Disabled Person scheme organized at 5th Ground Polo in Shillong.
Gehlot told media persons that the Ministry intended to set up national sports stadium in five states across the country including one in Meghalaua for the differently abled persons.
He said that this was decided after Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma approached him with a proposal in which the state would provide 50 acres of land.
“A DPR will be prepared very soon, and the stadium which will be of international standard, should come up before the National Games in 2022. This will also enable the state to host Olympics for the differently-abled,â€
He also said that the Ministry will set up a Composite regional centre in the state and will start work once the space is made available.
Talking about the aids and assistive devices distribution camp, Gehlot termed it the biggest camp in the North East.
“The message is that, the public should know about the scheme and get to see and know about the quality of products they are getting. There are almost 7000 beneficiaries in Shillong and Tura in the two days camp, and the Central Government is spending almost Rs 7 crore,†Gehlot said.
The Meghalaya Minister said that the idea of setting up a stadium started four months back when he met Gehlot and discussed an array of issues and the state received good response and support.
“This stadium will also be put to use during the National Games in 2022,†Conrad said.
Expressing his satisfaction at being allotted with one such sport centres, Conrad said that the State was lucky to get such a stadium.
