Meghalaya’s Chief Minister Conrad Sangma shared exciting updates on the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) during a recent assembly session in Shillong. Over the last three years, MBDA has grabbed a whopping Rs 224 crore in funding to drive innovative projects across the state. The biggest chunk—Rs 182.30 crore—comes from the current 2024-25 financial year, helping roll out cross-sectoral initiatives that boost development in Meghalaya.
Sangma was answering questions from North Shillong VPP legislator Adelbert Nongrum. He broke it down: MBDA got Rs 24 crore in 2023-24 and Rs 17.70 crore in 2022-23. To keep things transparent, the authority’s accounts get regular audits from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). No worries about shady dealings here!
For those curious about its roots, Sangma explained that MBDA started in 2012 as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under the Societies Registration Act of 1860. It’s a registered society focused on coordinating big-picture projects. He also cleared up confusion: The Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA) is a different setup—a not-for-profit under Section 8 of the Companies Act—mainly to attract international funding from groups like IFAD.
What does MBDA actually do? Sangma highlighted its role in teaming up departments for innovative Meghalaya development projects. It doesn’t stick to just externally aided projects (EAPs) or centrally sponsored schemes (CSS)—it jumps in wherever needed to make things happen.
On the people powering it, Sangma stressed that all 729 employees are locals. They hire through a fair process with exams and skill checks, following a solid human resource policy. No shortcuts!
Nongrum had raised a point about whether MBDA means government departments lack capacity. Sangma shut that down quick. He pointed out how departmental budgets have exploded from Rs 9,000 crore to nearly Rs 30,000 crore, showing they’re more efficient than ever. “Departments handle their own projects,” he said. “MBDA steps in for coordination when multiple teams need to collaborate.”
In another update, responding to VPP legislator Heavingstone Kharpran from Mawryngkneng, Sangma revealed ongoing projects to protect catchment areas for water supply in Shillong and Tura. These efforts aim to secure clean water sources and support sustainable growth in Meghalaya’s key cities.
This funding and focus on coordination could really transform how development happens in the state—keeping locals employed and projects on track.
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