Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday called on Union Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj and proposed for issue of work permit to Bangladeshi nationals to address the challenge of infiltration in the State.
Sangma also met Union Minister of state for Home Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Roads and transport Nitin Gadkari and Union Power Minister RK Singh and briefed them about the new initiatives planned by the government in the state to push the agenda of growth and development.
Sangma met Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj seeking her intervention on road connectivity between Bangladesh and Meghalaya and mentioned of the Shillong – Dhaka and Tura – Dhaka routes.
Swaraj has assured to consider the request and said that the issue would be taken up in North East Chief Minister’s Meet to be held in New Delhi on May 4. Swaraj also assured him 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.
Sangma said Meghalaya share 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. He also proposed for issue of work permit to Bangladeshi nationals to address the challenge of infiltration, to which the Union Minister said that it would be discussed and examined.
later, Sangma met Union Minister of state for Home Kiren Rijiju and briefed him about the law and order situation of the State and generally discussed on developmental issues and new initiatives, which are being taken up by the Government.
Rijiju has assured to extend all cooperation and support to push the agenda of development in Meghalaya.
Sangma along with Meghalaya Power Minister James K. Sangma also called on Minister of State (Independent Charge) Power R K Singh to discuss on the power scenario. 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. He also asked Meghalaya to take advantage of Atal Jyoti Yojana to put up 2,000 solar streetlights in each constituencies of the state, also to tap potential of solar energy by putting up roof top solar panels in Government establishments and institutions.
later, Sangma met Nitin Gadkari and discussed at length to expedite the ongoing road projects in Meghalaya with particular focus on the dilapidated roads connecting Tura – Baghmara, Baghmara – Ranikor, AMPT road, Nongstoin – Maweit, etc.
Gadkari assured that all roads in the State 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.