DoNER minister assures Meghalaya of funds for projects

DoNER Minister Jitendra Singh has assured Meghalaya Health Minister A L Hek of looking into the various projects that the state government has put up for funds from the centre, officials said on Sunday.

During a meeting held on Saturday evening at the Raj Bhavan here, Hek has sought additional funds of Rs 6.5 crore for building infrastructure of a diagnostic centre in Shillong under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) of the Ministry of DoNER, they said.

During the 2018-19 fiscal, around Rs 20 crore was sanctioned for setting up of high-end equipment in the diagnostic centre, a senior health department official told PTI.

Hek has also solicited funds for a similar diagnostic centre which was proposed for Tura in the current financial year, the official said.

Setting up of a botanical garden and a children's park which will boost tourism in Shillong were also discussed as the projects could serve as tourist spots in view of the National Games 2022 in the state.

Union minister for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has also agreed to examine a proposal for construction of an indoor stadium and swimming pool at Pynthorumkhrah area in the state's capital, which will be the "focal point of attention" for the upcoming mega sports event, the official said.

According to state officials, Singh has also agreed to provide support to a waste management project in the city.

Hek has also sought funds for preservation, protection and nurturing of the Shillong Golf Course, a historical landmark of the state.