Mr. Speaker, Sir,
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The year which is drawing to a close has been the first year after the attainment of full Statehood of Meghalaya. The achievements made in the first year of our full Statehood marked the beginning of our march to the path of progress and all-round development of Meghalaya. We have settled down with confidence to the task of building up our economy and taking up programmes which would facilitate the State's onward march to prosperity and the growth of a self-generating economy. 2. As Honourable Members are aware, the nation is at present engaged in the task of formulating the Fifth Five-Year Plan which will be the blue print for the development of the nation during the five years' period. We have also formulated our approach to the next Plan. While agreeing to the national objective of increase in the rate of economic growth, elimination of poverty and provision of increasing employment opportunities by fulfillment of the "Minimum Needs" Programme, we have also emphasised the problem of regional imbalances and difficulties felt by the backward and backward States. We have stressed that one of the main objectives of the Plan should be to remove such imbalances and to bring up the backward areas to the level of development of the rest of the country. It is hoped that this objectives will be fully kept into consideration by the Government of India while finalising the outlays for the State's Fifth Five-Year Plan. |
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National Economic Trends |
3. I would now like to mention briefly some of the broad trends in the Nation's economy which have a bearing on the economy of our State. For the second year in succession, the Indian economy had to go through considerable strain during 1972-73. As the Honourable Members are aware, the year 1971-72 was one of the most difficult years which the country has faced since Independence mainly because of the influx of Bangladesh refugees and the War with Pakistan. When the economy was recovering from the impact of the difficulties of 1971, several factors led to the slowing down of the recovery. There has been inadequate rainfall in a considerably large part of the country as a result of which the agricultural production received a severe set-back with serious implications for the country's food position. Despite the prospects of better rabi crops, the fall in foodgrains production is estimated at 4-5 millions tonnes and the total production would only be around 100 millions tonnes during the year. There was marked improvement in the rate of industrial production from 4 percent to 7 percent but this was not sufficient to offset the decline in the foodgrains and the set-back in cash crops. As a result of these the growth of the National Income may not exceed 2 percent which is the same as in the preceding year. The rise in the whole-sale prices in 1972 has been 7.8 percent and is nearly double that in 1971. In December, 1972 the whole-sale price index was 13.7 percent higher than in December, 1971. The index for foodgrains was up by 17 percent and of industrial raw materials by 18 percent. In the first week of February 1973, the whole-sale price of cereals was 16.2 percent higher than the level a year ago. All these have posted considerably problems. We need not however, take a pessimistic view of the country's inherent strength. As pointed out earlier, the rate of industrial growth has shown signs of recovery and the growth in textiles has been 27 percent. There has been marked evidence of recovery in transport equipment and chemicals, non-metallic minerals, rubber products and non-electrical machinery. Exports performance has been good in the first eight months. Given normal weather condition, there is every reason to hope that agricultural production should improve and the economy will look up. With sufficient increase in commodity production, an increase of 5 percent in the National Income may become a reality. |
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Economic Trends in Meghalaya |
4. There is, no doubt that the economic forces in the country will be having their impact in the State to a large extent. Available statistics suggest that the overall performance of the State's economy has been quite fair during the past year specially when considered against the background of its special problems, both inherent as well as those created as a result of last year's massive refugee influx. There has been a total improvement in the foodgrains production over the years in Meghalaya. The foodgrains production has improved from 1.24 lakhs tonnes in 1970-71 to 1.36 lakhs tonnes in 1971-72 and is likely to approach the target of 1.65 lakhs tonnes during 1972-73. The production of cement of the only major industrial unit, namely, the Cherrapunjee Cement Factory, has unfortunately shown as decline to 47,900 tonnes in 1972 from its production figures of 74,400 tonnes in 1971 due to various reasons. There has been a steady rise in the production of limestone and, for the first time, commercial production of Clay was reported and the quantity raised by the Cherra Cement Authorities was 11,597 tonnes during 1972. Production of coal has also shown consistent sign of recovery. The improvement of the position in respect of certain sectors, as pointed out, could not, however, counter the powerful influence of the Country-wide Economic Forces as stated earlier and this is evident from the steep price rise in most of the items which followed the pattern of the All-India Trend. The rise in whole-sale and retail prices in Meghalaya was much more than in the rest of the country and the North Eastern Region due to the difficulties of transport and communications in the State. |
| Employment Situation |
5. The problem of increasing unemployment in general and among the educated unemployed persons in particular, has to be tackled with vigorous efforts. It is proposed to strengthen the machinery of the Employment Directorate. Besides the other measures contemplated are the appointment of a State Manpower-cum-Employment Officer who would be entrusted with the function of advising the Government regarding the necessary measures to be taken for coping with the problem and for ensuring follow-up action in regard to the implementation of the schemes and the Government decisions taken in this regard. The increased generation of employment opportunities is one of the important objectives of our Plan Schemes. Apart from the creation of more employment opportunities through the developmental schemes and through the increase in the level of economy by accelerating the growth in Agriculture, Veterinary, Transport and Communications and other employment generating sectors the Special Employment Programmes drawn up in the context of growing unemployment in the country are being implemented. Mention may be made of the Special Employment Programme and the crash programme for employment which aim at creation of more employment opportunities by utilising the surplus man-power for the creation of permanent assets of developmental nature such as roads, bridge and minor irrigation works. Due to the shifting of the Assam Government capital, the economy of Shillong and the areas around is also likely to receive a temporary setback The State Government are aware of these problems and are undertaking various measures in this connection. A cash scheme for creation of additional employment opportunities through various schemes has been drawn up and submitted to the Government of India. The benefits under the proposed crash programme will be available to the educated unemployed persons of the State as well as to the tribal employees at present working under the Assam Government. The question of establishment of more Central offices in Shillong and absorption of people from Meghalaya into the jobs in the Central offices in Shillong has been stressed upon the Government of India. |
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Border Areas. |
6. The State Government are keenly aware of the suffering and distress prevailing in the border areas due to the suspension of the border trade. It is an acknowledged fact that the development programmes in the area have not kept pace with the requirements. The economic condition in the border areas has shown deteriorating as a combined effect of all these factors. A crash scheme for marketing of border products was undertaken with a view to facilitating the disposal of the border produces at reasonable prices both inside and outside the State. Test-relief measures were also undertaken in the areas with a view to relieving distress among the people. The programme for development of border areas submitted to the Government of India includes the scheme for setting up of a Corporation for marketing of border produces as well as the schemes for improving communications and building up the necessary infrastructure decided the Government of India's approval and sanction for financial assistance for the integrated programme for the development of border areas is still awaited, we have been making provisions for border areas development schemes in our Plan budget in spite of constraint of resources and paucity of allocations. The Honourable Members are also aware of the problem of shifting cultivation and the necessity of grouping of villages particularly in Garo Hills. We have been proposing to the Government of India the undertaking of a special programme for the purpose outside the State Plan. The undertaking of the programme has been accepted in principle by the Planning Commission and the Government of India and a pilot project will be undertaken during the next year with an outlay of Rs.11 lakhs which will be supplemented with such funds as may be found necessary. |
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Fourth Plan and the Annual Plans |
7. When Meghalaya was created as an Autonomous State, the outlay for the Fourth Plan was fixed at Rs.38 crores by taking out a share of the Assam Hill Plan outlay. Now, that Meghalaya has become a full State, it has to get a share of the outlay of the General Plan of the Assam State also. At the time of allocation of the Plans to Meghalaya only the Hills Plan outlay was divided as between Meghalaya and the Hill Areas of the rest of Assam. It would be evident that the outlays for the Plan of Meghalaya drawn on the basis of Rs.38 crores were extremely inadequate and left no scope for expenditure for the State-Level schemes. In addition, the Shillong Municipal and the Cantonment areas have been transferred to the Meghalaya Government with effect from 21st January 1972. As such, the responsibility of continuing the Developmental Schemes undertaken by the Government of Assam in these areas has devolved upon the Government of Meghalaya without any corresponding increase in the Plan outlay. The matter has been taken up with the Planning Commission which has proposed to arrange a discussion with the various Ministries and the Government of Assam. In the meantime, the Government have requested the Government of India for release of adhoc funds to meet the commitments which have devolved on the State in this regard. |
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Plan Priorities |
8. Since the growth of every sector is dependent upon good communication facilities, which are ill-developed in Meghalaya, the foremost priority is given to the building of roads for creating the infra-structure for development. A very high priority has also been assigned to agriculture and other allied programmes in order to enable increased production of foodgrains. Great emphasis has also been laid on measures to promote diversified and more suitable pattern of agriculture and in this context the programme for controlling shifting cultivation has assumed new importance. The Plan has also laid emphasis on the creation of infrastructure to enable development and economic utilisation of the State's natural resources in the industrial field. With regard to Social Services, increased facilities for education health and medical care, water supply housing and social welfare, have been provided. The District Councils have been given the importance they deserve to participate in the development of the State through assistance to implement their own Plans with funds from the State Plan. |
| Progress in the Plan implementation | 9. As regards the progress in the implementation of the Fourth Plan, a comprehensive review has been attempted at some length in a supplement brought out separately. For the first Annual Plan of the State, that is, for the year 1970-71 the State Plan provided for an outlay of Rs.7.25 crores. Against this the expenditure amounted to Rs.7.56 crores. Due to severe limitations like lack of personnel and delayed beginning this high performance was made possible by taking up projects in other sectors notably roads. In the second year of the Plan i.e.,1971-72, the outlay fixed was Rs.7.95 crores. It may be remembered that during this year the State had to pass through severe stress and strain on account of the disturbance in the then East Pakistan. The total expenditure recorded in that year was Rs.7.04 crores, which feel short of the target. For the year 1972-73 the outlay originally fixed was Rs.8.25 crores which included the amount of Rs.1.03 crores representing the State's share of resources mobilisation for financing the Annual Plan. There has been a short fall in resources due to non-availability of LIC Loans. The implementation of the Annual Plan is in progress and it is expected that the outlay expended would total to Rs.8.09 crores. |
| Annual Plan 1973-74 | 10 The Annual Plan for the coming year was scrutinized and considered in detail in the State Planning Advisory Council and the State Planning board before it was submitted to the Government of India. Against the State's proposal for Rs.13.69 crores for the next year, the Planning Commission has agreed to an outlay of Rs.12 cores for the State's Annual Plan. This marks an overall increase of about 45 percent over the current year's Plan. As stated earlier, the Government are also following up the question of additional requirement on account of additional schemes for Meghalaya. In addition, the outlay on Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored programmes to be executed by the State Government such as Family Planning Schemes, Small Farmers, Marginal Farmers and Agricultural Labourers Development projects, accelerated water supply schemes, crash schemes and special schemes for employment are expected to continue with increased outlay. |
| Advance Action |
11. The Plan outlay for the next year, also includes a provision of Rs.50 lakhs for advance action programme for the Fifth Plan. These programmes will be such as to facilitate the achievement of accepted goals and targets for the next five year plan. |
| Planning Machinery |
12. The Government have constituted the State Planning Advisory Council to advise Government on various matters regarding the Fifth Plan and the annual plans. The Government have also set up a State Planning Board with the Chief Minister as the Chairman and the Planning Minister as the Deputy Chairman. The Government have also decided to set up the District Planning Boards and District Planning Officers are being appointed in the District. |
| Agriculture |
13. The board objective in the sphere of Agriculture is to increase the production of foodgrains so as to ultimately make the State self-sufficient in this regard. The approach and strategy, envisaged for increasing the agricultural production for the year 1973-74 is to increase the are under assured irrigating substantially and to popularise the adoption of scientific methods of cultivation. The total anticipated production under foodgrains during the year 1972-73 is 1,65,200 tonnes as against the production of 1,37,230 tonnes during 1971-72. For the next year the target has been fixed at 1,88.000 tonnes. The other important programmes in the agricultural field include demonstration in cultivator's fields, training of personnel and progressive cultivators, land reclamation, conducting applied research and intensifying the programme for introduction of improved and high yielding varieties. Although emphasis has been given to the increase of area under cereals, due attention is being paid to the development of cash crops like potato, jute, cotton, ginger, etc. The anticipated expenditure on agricultural programmes including minor irrigation under plan schemes during the current year was Rs.90. lakhs as against the actual expenditure of Rs.66.68 lakhs during 1971-72. Out of the plan allocation of Rs.123 lakhs for 1973-74, the amount of Rs.41 lakhs has been provided for minor irrigation and the rest earmarked for agricultural production, land reforms, research, education and training. |
| Research Activities | 14. To evolve suitable varieties of crops for different agro-climatic conditions prevailing in the State, research work has been taken up and two research stations have been established one in Shillong and another at Tura. This year it is proposed to establish another station at Jowai. The research stations will also carry out work on diseases and pests and also in horticulture with special emphasis on the disease of "die-back" of citrus and infected orchards. Research on soil problems and soil analysis for proper use of fertilisers will also be carried out. |
| Small Farmers, Marginal Farmers and Agricultural Labourers Development Agency Schemes |
15. The Small Farmers, Marginal Farmers and Agricultural Labourers Development Agencies have made significant progress during the year under review. As indicated in my last speech, the main functions of the agencies are to identify the eligible participants, investigate their problems and formulate suitable programmes with a view to removing the imbalance in rural economy and providing larger employment opportunities. In Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills project, an expenditure of Rs.28 lakhs has been incurred and the target of expenditure of Rs.1 crores is expected to be reached in the coming year. This project has initiated a new methodology in the realm of co-operative movement by starting a multi-purpose Co-operative Society in Mawryngkneng Block with the expected membership of about ten thousand persons. This agriculture-based co-operative society will embrace all co-operative activities which are aimed at helping the Farmers and will entertain competent managerial and technical staff to implement ambitious development schemes. Presently, a potato cultivation schemes benefiting 3000 farmers with a total outlay of Rs.92 lakhs is under examination. Similarly six more schemes are under examination for this co-operative society. All these schemes are likely to benefit about ten thousand small farmers, marginal farmers and agricultural labourers bedsides others who would bet seasonal employment under the rural works programme. It is expected that this new experiment, if successful, will usher in anew eras of economic prosperity through co-operative movement. In the Garo Hills project, emphasis has been placed on Community Irrigation Schemes. The Schemes are now already for implementation and by the end of the financial year 1973-74, about Rs.60 lakhs will have been spent benefiting a population of about ten thousand small and marginal farmers. It is proposed to expand the are under Horticulture through supply of planting materials to growers at subsidised rates. Establishment of progeny orchards and training of gardeners are also being taken up. The anticipated expenditure during 1972-73 is Rs.4.20 lakhs while the proposed outlay for 1973-74 is Rs.6.85 lakhs. |
| Animal Husbandry | 16. The main schemes of Animal Husbandry Department aims at the strengthening the livestock and poultry farms to meet the requirement of breeding stocks and augmenting production of milk, meat and eggs which will help farmers to have subsidiary income. The programmes also aim at educating the farmers in modern technology necessary for scientific production of livestock and dairy husbandry. The State of Meghalaya with its congenial climatic condition has immense potential for livestock development and dairy industry. During the Forth Plan Period there has been significant increase in the production of milk-the production of milk going up to above 20 lakh litres at the end of the year. 1971-72 as against 8 lakh litres at the end of 1968-69. Similarly, egg production has registered an increase of 5 lakhs by the end of 1971-72. During my last speech I had occasion to refer to the Indo-Danish Project at Upper Shillong for re-organising the Upper Shillong Livestock Farm and imparting training to local farmers in the modern methods of management and rearing of animals. It is expected that the Government of Denmark will provide over 120 cows and 12 pedigreed bulls through the Government of India. An Intensive Cattle Development Project has been established in Khasi and Jaintia Hills. The Planning Commission has approved in principle the establishment of one composite Livestock Farm in Garo Hills. One key village Block has been taken up at Laskein in Jaintia Hills and another key village is also partly being established in Garo Hills. |
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Other Development Programmes |
17. With a view to popularizing balanced feeding of Livestock and poultry, a Feed Mill with grinding and mixing capacity of 3 tonnes feed per hour has been established at Nayabunglow. The Fodder Demonstration Farm at Upper Shillong tried cattle fodder suitable for high altitudes. As regards sheep development, the topography of the State appears suitable but the heavy rainfall has always been a limiting factor. A Sheep and Goat Farm is being established n in Jaintia District and Mawnai Sheep Unit has taken up extension work. The Poultry Farm Complex at Nayabunglow has registered commendable progress in poultry development; the poultry farms at Tura and Jowai, however need further strengthening to meet the growing need of the farmers. Non-availability of pedigreed black pigs coupled with the prevalence of swine fever have posed problem for the piggery development programme. The State has acquired 16 foreign pedigreed black pigs through the help of the Government of India and they have also been approached for vaccines for the diseases. During the current year the Government have reserved 15 seats in various Veterinary Colleges for B.V.Sc and A.H. Course. |
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Dairy Development |
18. The Chilling Plan established at Nayabunglow is processing about 4000 litres of milk daily, and the Town Milk Supply Schemes at Shillong is handling about 1200 litres of milk per day. the Dairy Extension Scheme at Jowai is trying to educate our farmers in the processing of dairy products. The Cremetry and Ghee Making Centre has been established in Garo Hills, which would encourage local farmers to take up breeding of cattle and marketing of ghee cream and butter. |
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Fisheries |
19. The people of Meghalaya have to depend entirely on neighboring areas for supply of fish, both fresh and dry. The main aim of fishery development is to utilise available resources for production of protein food for the growing population. There is a provision of Rs.20 lakhs for fishery development during the Fourth Five-Year Plan and a sum of Rs.8 lakhs has been provided for 1973-74 for taking up different schemes. The target of fish production is 400 tonnes for Meghalaya during 1973-74. |
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Weights and Measures |
20. The use of Metric Weights and Measures has been made compulsory in all transactions in the State. the State Government have taken steps for proper introduction and enforcement of the Metric System. A programme for planned publicity for educating the people has been taken up. The response in general seems to be quite encouraging. |
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Co-operation |
21. This year has witnessed a steady progress in the co-operative movement of the State with the Government taking vigorous steps to streamline the growth of the cooperative societies in the rural as well as urban areas. There has been appreciable increase in the quantum of loans issued to the cultivators by the Apex Bank through the Service Co-operative Societies. The Assam Hills Development Corporation has distributed a larger quantity of fertilizer and bone-meal. For ensuring suitable storage facilities, special emphasis has been placed on the construction of godowns. Over and above the annual programme for the current year for construction of 21 godowns of 150 metric tonnes capacity and 10 godowns of 350 metric tonnes capacity, the National Co-operative Development Corporation is being moved for assistance for the construction of godowns of 100 metric tonnes capacity each. The 37½ percent of the total loan amounting to Rs.4.20 lakhs will be borne by the State Government as subsidy, the rest granted as loan by the Corporation. A' State Ware-Housing Corporation is also proposed to be set up for providing better, and more modern type of storage facilities. |
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Credit Facilities |
22. Steps to re-organise the Consumer Co-operatives are also being undertaken in order to identify the viable units and also to implement the consumer's programme in close collaboration with the National Co-operative consumer's Federation. the performance of the urban banks in Shillong is extending credit has been encouraging. The Meghalaya Co-operative Apex Bank is also examining the question of opening branches in the rural areas. It is proposed to convert the Assam Hills Co-operative Development Corporation into the State Apex Marketing Society. |
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Joint Survey |
23. One of the most important steps taken in this sector during the current year is the joint survey of the credit structure in the State conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, the Apex Bank and the Co-operative Department. The main aim is to re-organise the societies on firm and sound lines with a view to making them viable units. As the Hon'ble Members are aware, the Co-operative Sector, has a tremendous role to play in the economic development of the State and it is hoped that the recommendation of the joint survey will go a long way in making it possible to implement the co-operative programme on better lines. The approved outlay for 1973-74 for the sector is Rs.37.00 lakhs. |
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Community Development |
24. We have a total of 24 blocks in the State out of which 7 blocks are in Stage II and 17 blocks in Post-Stage II. An amount of Rs.21.00 lakhs has been provided under the State Plan and Rs.29.24 lakhs in the normal budget for implementing C.D. Programmes. The Tribal Development programme is superimposed in all these C.D. Blocks, 12 of them operating in T.D. Stage II and another 12 in T.D. Stage III. An amount of Rs.36.00 lakhs has been provided for the activities of Tribal Development Blocks. The Applied Nutrition Programme for meeting problem of malnutrition in the villages, about which I made mention during last year, has been in operation in 5 blocks in the State and will be continued in 1973-74. Two of the operative ANP blocks, Viz. Resubelpara and Mylliem will complete their period of operation by the end of 1972-73 and the Government of India have been requested to allot two additional blocks during 1973-74. The expenditure to be incurred under this programme will be Rs.1.70 lakhs under Central Assistance and Rs.1.25 lakhs out of C.D. Budget. The Special Nutrition Programme, which was started for providing supplementary nutrition to the younger group of children belonging to the weaker section of the community and nursing mothers, will be continued during 1973-74. |
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Forest |
25. The optimum utilisation of the forest resources, which forms one of the most important renewable natural assets of the State, is very essential both for earning revenue as well as generating employment avenues in the rural sector. There has been an increase of 16 percent in the revenue earnings of the Sate from this sector. Further measures for proper management of forests with the co-operation of the District Councils are being studied. Under the Plan scheme due stress has been given to the raising of the plantations of economic species like Teak, Sal, etc., as well as medicinal plants like Ipecac. For exploiting forest produces in the interior, expansion of communications has been taken up and about 9 km. of new roads were constructed during last year. In order to protect rate plant and animals, preliminary steps have been taken to create a Small Zoo in Lady Hydari Park a Deer Park in the Umiam Lake area and an Orchid Sanctuary near Jowai. In the existing Botanical Garden, some improvement work has been taken up. For manning various posts of technical nature in the department, a scheme for training of staff in the institutions at Dehradun and Gauhati has been taken up and number of persons have been recruited for deputation for training. |
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Health |
26. The important schemes that have been taken up by the Health Department during 1972-73 are mentioned below :- (i) Extension of Jowai Civil Hospital by another 36 beds; (ii) Survey work of the site for construction of 100-bedded Hospital at Tura in Garo Hills. Proposal for construction of a 10-bedded Hospital at Bhoilymbong is under active consideration of the Government. There are proposals for construction of 2 Primary Health Centres in Garo Hills and 1 in Khasi Hills. The Primary Health Centres at Cherrapunjee, Mawkyrwat, Mawsynram, Chokpot and Songsak are under Construction. The Hon'ble Members are aware of the acute shortage of doctors particularly in the rural areas. Over and above the other measures taken to tackle this problem, the State Government have reserved seats in the medical colleges of Assam and Manipur and scholarships have been created. Steps are being taken to establish a Pharmacists Training School at Tura to meet the shortage of Pharmacists. The Government of India have given sanction for establishment of District T.B. Centre in Tura. Six Survey, Education and Treatment Centres for Leprosy have been established in the State and eight more are proposed to be set up this year. Besides the programme in the State Plan, the Health Department has also been implementing some National Schemes like Family Planning, Malaria Eradication programmes, etc. |
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Education |
27. In the field of general education emphasis is being laid on the improvement at all levels of education an d also on expansion. The State Government have already constituted a commission to go into the problems of education at the Elementary and Secondary levels and to determine the type of education to be imparted. The Commission is expected to submit its recommendations in due course. Steps are being taken to introduce the scheme for teaching Science in some selected Middle and Primary Schools and work of translating books into Khasi and Garo languages is progressing. At present, the Board of Secondary Education, Assam, conducts the Examination at the end of higher Secondary Stage but the State Government propose to introduce a bill in the current Session of the Assembly for the establishment of the Meghalaya Board of School Education to regulate, supervise and develop schools in Meghalaya. With a view to providing incentive at suitable levels, merit scholarships as well as merit-cum-means scholarships have been introduced in the current year. Two Advisory Boards for Regional Text Book committees in Garo and Khasi language have been constituted and the formation of a Text Book Committee at State level is also under consideration. The Hon'ble Members will be glad to know that with the adoption of the necessary resolution by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly under Article 250 of the Constitution, the bill for the establishment of the Indira Gandhi University will be introduced and passed by Parliament during its current session. |
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Technical Education |
28. In the sphere of technical education, much remains to be done. The survey work as well as preparation of plans and estimates for construction of a Junior Technical School at Jowai have been taken up. Our proposal for introduction of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Courses in the Shillong Polytechnic, about which I made a mention in my last speech, is still pending with the Government of India. |
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Sports and Social Welfare |
29. The State Sports Council has already been se up. The State Social Welfare Board of Meghalaya has also started functioning. |
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Assistance to District Councils |
30. The Government have continued to assist the District Councils financially for their schemes for rural waster supply rural communications and construction of buildings. There is a provision of Rs.40 lakhs during the year 1973-74 for the above schemes. |
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Municipal Administration |
31. The Municipal Administration Department has been extending assistance, both the the shape of grant and loan to the Shillong Municipal Board as well as Garo Hills Town Committee. During 1972-73, the State Government extended as grant of Rs.2 lakhs to the Municipal Board to tide over its financial difficulties. The Board has also approached the State Government for a loan of Rs.1.90 lakhs for Water Supply Schemes which is under active consideration. For the next financial year a sum of Rs.2.00 lakhs has been provided as loan and a sum of Rs.1.01 lakhs has been provided as grant. |
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Communication |
32. Improvement of communication facilities, which in the context of the geographical conditions in Meghalaya mean roads-will continue to be one of the most important and vital needs of the economy. The target during the Fourth Plan is to have a total length of 3759 km. road net work in the State. As substantial part of the roads in Meghalaya are earthen roads, the target for surfaced roads at the end of the Fourth Plan is 1066 km. against 731 km. of surfaced roads at the end of 1969. One of the most important work during the year is the completion of preliminary construction work of the Shillong-Tura Road, about 314 km. in length, running East to West centrally across the State and connecting the headquarters of Garo Hills and Khasi Hills Widening work and construction of a few bridges, however still remain to be completed and the work is in progress The road also requires considerable improvement to bring it to the standard of a trunk road. With regard to Border Roads running parallel to Indo-Bangladesh Border, there are still four missing links, of 130 km. in length, which are yet to be taken up. Proposal has been submitted to the Government of India for financing the same. Construction of Chibinang Bridge in Garo Hills is likely to be completed during next year. |
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Public Health Engineering |
33. The Department has taken up 38 Water Supply Schemes since 1969-70 out of which 25 have already been completed. The Government of India have also approved another 33 Rural Water Supply Schemes with a total estimated cost of Rs.116.62 lakhs under the Accelerated Programme for implementation during the current year (1972-73) and 1973-74. The execution of these schemes has been taken up by the Department concerned. The Greater Shillong Waster Supply Scheme costing Rs.336.70 lakhs in the first phase has received the technical approval from the Government of India. In drawing up the programme for rural water supply, the Department has given high priority to the villages having no water source within a radius of one mile and mountainous areas where acute scarcity of water prevails. |
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Housing |
43. Under Housing the Government is advancing loans under easy terms of payment for construction of residential building of Low Income as well as Middle Income groups. A new Rental Housing Schemes for Tura has been drawn up. Besides this, there are schemes for providing loans under village housing projects for providing residential accommodation-to be taken up during the remaining period of the Fourth Plan as well as Fifth Plan. |
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Urban Development |
35. During 1972-73, a few Schemes, viz., Improvement of Barabazar and construction of residential quarters for Harijans at Shillong and Improvement of markets at Tura and Jowai were taken up. The Government also propose to take up Slum Clearance and Urban Development schemes in the various towns in the State to improve the environmental conditions during the next year as well as during the next plan period. |
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Supply |
36. The supply position , on the whole, remained fairly satisfactory during the year. We are receiving the allotment of Rice, Wheat, Sugar from the Government of India directly. The Government of India have implemented a scheme for distribution of sugar at a uniform subsidised price by the distribution of sugar at a uniform subsidised price by the Food Corporation of India with effect from 1st January 1973, The F.C.I. has agreed to open godowns at selected places of the State to streamline the distribution. For enabling the border people to purchase essential foodstuffs at prices prevailing in the district headquarters, the Transports subsidy Scheme is being continued. A new scheme, for distribution of mill cloth through the co-operative societies has been initiated during the current year. |
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Tourism |
37. Meghalaya commands vast potential for development of Tourism and the Government propose to promote the development of tourist traffic in the region. During 1972-73, preparation of Master Plan for the land taken over from A.S.E.B. at Barapani has been taken up. Improvement works at Thadlaskein Lake are progressing besides those already undertaken at Tura Peak in Garo Hills. |
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Transport |
38. Realising the need of the people, the Government has purchased a number of vehicles for use in some of the most important routes of the State. Some more vehicle will be placed on the road in the coming year and the service is expected to improve considerably. The Government have decided in principle to take over the functions of the Assam and Meghalaya State Road Transport Corporation in regard to Gauhati-Shillong route. An officer is being appointed to work out a phased Programme and various details in the regard. |
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Industries |
39. Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation has participated in a joint venture called Komorrah Limestone Mining Company Limited for the supply of limestone's to Bangladesh. It will also participate in another joint venture for the manufacture of essential oils and chemicals with a leading firm. Steps are being taken to ensure efficient working of Cherra Cements Factory. Scheme for re-starting the Meter Factory is also under examination. The Meghalaya Industrial Development corporation has also applied for an industrial license to set up an integrated clinker and cement project in Garo Hills and a feasibility report on the project is under preparation. The Industrial Development Bank of India, at the request of the Government of Meghalaya, has requested a Consultancy Firm to prepare project report in respect of Calcium Carbide, Calcium Carbonate and Hydrated Lime. Steps have been taken for implementation of the recommendations of Small Industries Service Institute to set up industrial estates in Shillong and Mendipathar; an industrial estate is also likely to be established at Byrnihat. In addition to the incentives made available by the Central Government, the State Government have announced a Package Scheme of incentives for encouraging entrepreneurs. The scheme covers incentives like refund of sales tax, exemption from payment of royalty charges, subsidy on power tariff, Government guarantee on loans raised by the Industrial units and meeting the cost of feasibility and project reports. As in previous years the schemes for Small Scale Industries will be continued and steps taken for training local candidates in specialised institutions outside the State. |
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Sericulture and Weaving |
40. Meghalaya, with her suitable climatic condition holds out immense possibilities for the development of Sericulture and Handloom Weaving. Need based and employment oriented schemes drawn up by the Department are making satisfactory headway within an overall plan allocation of Rs.9 lakhs during 1972-73. It is proposed to establish a number of Eri Concentration Centres and Collective Mulberry Gardens in Selected areas to provide common facilities of land, fencing manure and saplings. |
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Power Development and Rural Electrification |
41. The 132 KM. Shillong-Cherrapunjee line has been completed. The minor works on commissioning of the Sub-station at Cherrapunjee are likely to be completed within the current year after which the line will be charged at 132 KV. The Assam State Electricity Board will be able to electrify about 33 villages by the end of the current year as against the target of 38. An amount of Rs.40 lakhs has been proposed for rural electrification in the annual plan for 1973-74. |
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Geology and Mining |
42. The Department of Geology and Mining has taken up survey projects having long-term impact on the economy of the State. Mention may be made of the detailed geological surveys of the Komorrah limestone deposits on an emergency footing and completion of its report in a record time. Based on this report Komorrah Limestone Mining Company joint sector venture with MIDC participation is expected to start supply of limestone to Chatak Cement Factory in Bangladesh shortly. Semi-mechanised from of mining has been planed for these quarries and it is expected to serve as a model for convincing the people about the advantage of a scientific and systematic method of mining. Test drilling for coal in Garo Hills has been conducted to enable evolution of a pilot scheme for mining in the district. The Siju limestone is also being systematically tested by a field crew regarding its quality. Both these are to feed the proposed Clinker Plant, project report of which is under preparation. In the coming year, the investigation programme include limestone, coal, various clays and other minerals with a bias towards detailed exploration. Apart from acquiring more machinery and equipment, an efficient chemical laboratory is also being proposed for testing the samples collected during surveys. |
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Publicity |
43. The Government have taken steps to streamline the Publicity Department and an outlay of Rs.7.56 lakhs has been proposed for the purpose. The special schemes to be taken up this year include publication of bulletins in regional languages, publication of Meghalaya Chronicle, printing of Publicity literature and posters for distribution upto village level, rural broadcasting publicity through cultural media, films and other Audio Visual Publicity. It is also proposed to make colour film on the life and culture of the people of Meghalaya. |
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Civil Defence |
44. In order to enable the entire civil population to realise the importance of civil defence and to have a preliminary knowledge of preventive measures in case of emergency, the school and college authorities in the State have been requested to introduce Civil Defence as one of the subjects. |
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Prison |
45. There is a proposal to establish a district Jail at Jowai in the coming year. The buildings of Tura District Jail are in a dilapidated condition and require renovation. I may mention here in this connection that a special Jail has been constructed by the Nagaland Government at Mawlai for trial of their security prisoners. Some expenditure, in this connection, will be initially borne by the State Government but the entire expenditure will be reimbursed by the Nagaland Government. |
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Excise |
46. The Hon'ble Members are aware of the evil effects of the large scale illicit distillation. Informed and representative public opinion has been associated in detailed discussions held in this regard for streamlining the procedure and evolving a uniform policy for the Excise Administration. in the State. The suggestions and recommendation received in this regard are under active consideration of the Government. Government effort is aimed at putting an end to illicit distillation and illicit sale of liquor. In this context, the Government have decided to grant licenses to the out stills in the areas of Syiems and other Chiefs in the State and to invest them with some powers regarding detection of excise offences. |
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Soil Conservation |
47. Shifting cultivation has been the main problem of the State which hinders development of settled agriculture Steps have therefore been taken to encourage the farmers practicing shifting cultivation to take up settled cultivation. Reclamation of valley bottom lands as well as terracing on slopes have been given its due importance and 38 percent of the Plan budget of the Department has been used for this work in the current year. The follow-up programme of supplying seeds, manures and other inputs at concessional rates has also been taken up to enable the farmers to continue permanent cultivation. To prevent large scale denudation of the forests by shifting cultivation, the Department has taken up schemes for afforestation of barren hills. During 1972-73, about 300 hectares of afforestation has been done and the target for the next year is 600 hectares. A different wing for proper survey of land according to land-use- pattern has also been proposed in the next year. During 1973-74 special pilot project for the control of Shifting cultivation and rehabilitation of these practicing jhum will be taken up on a pilot basis in Garo Hills District. |
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Special Pilot Project for the Control of Shifting Cultivation. |
An amount of Rs.11 lakhs has been provided to make beginning in this regard in the budget for 1973-74. The project is proposed to be taken up on a catchments area basis with facilities for preparation of land for permanent cultivation. Irrigation, where it is possible, horticulture on slope and afforestation of catchments areas in higher slopes for preservation of water sources, etc., will be taken up. Infra-structure, such as roads will be included in the scheme for Pilot Project and an integrated approach of development will be taken so that the shifting cultivators within the area will be rehabilitated in areas with facilities for permanent cultivation. |
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Police and Services |
48. Various steps have been initiated to strengthen and streamline the State Police Administration. With a view to advising the State regarding re-organising and strengthening of Fire Service, Fire Adviser from the Government of India has visited the State. Several officers and men have been sent for specialised raining in Central Detective Training School, Finger Print Training School and for Anti Extremists courses run by the Government of India. The Law and Order situation has generally been normal except Indo-Bangladesh border which have been brought to the notice of the Central Government. The inter-State boundary between Assam and Meghalaya continued to be peaceful but for the few incidents in Mawtamur area and on the Jaintia Hills-Mikir Hills border. A Public Service Commission has been set up for the State. The Government have also constituted the Meghalaya Secretariat Service. The recruitment policy of the Government aims at striking a balance between the requirement for meeting the increasing demand for employment of educated unemployed persons of the State and the absorption of tribal employees of Meghalaya origin who will be affected by the shifting of Assam Government capital from Shillong. |
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Comments of the District Councils |
49. As has been the practice, the final estimates for the next year relating to the Districts were circulated to the various District Councils. The suggestions made by the Members of the District Councils during discussions on the District Budgets will be given due consideration by Government. In this connection, I would like to inform the Honourable Members that it has always been the policy of the State Government to give maximum possible consideration to the comments of the District Councils. In spite of our keen desire to do so, we may not be able to implements the suggestions made by the Members of the District Councils in full due to the financial constraints and paucity of resources. Their suggestions are, however, valuable from the point of view of offering guide-lines for evolution of Government policy in regard to the Plan Schemes and Non-developmental Sectors from the long germ point of view. |
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Improvement in the conditions of service of Government employees. |
50. The State Government have always been sympathetic to the just and reasonable demands of the employees in regard to the improvement of their terms and conditions of service. The State Government decided to grant interim relief to the employees of Meghalaya on the basis of the recommendations of the Pay Commission set up by the Assam Government. The State Government would also sympathetically consider grant of necessary benefits in the light of the final recommendations of the Commissions. The Scheme for House Rent Allowance which was initiated in 1970-71 is being continued. |
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Financial estimated for 1973-74 |
51. Mr. Speaker, Sir, now I present the Budget Estimates for 1973-74. The revised estimates for 1972-73 now show a gap of Rs.186.02 lakhs as against the amount of Rs.732.42 lakhs shown in the Budget Estimates. This is mainly due to non-payment of an amount of Rs.4.13 crores as principal and interest to the Government of India. As stated in my Budget Speech last year, the question of writing of the liability was taken up with the Government of India and the matter is still under correspondence. |
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Budget for 1973-74 |
52. The Budget estimates for 1973-74 show considerable increase both under revenue and capital expenditure as compared to the provisions in the Budget for 1972-73. The repayment liability for the principal and interest on account of the debt liability of composite State of Assam has been carried over to the next year pending the receipt of a final decision from the Government of India. The amount so carried over is Rs.5.55 crores, towards payment of both principal and interest. This amount represents the liabilities as provisionally assessed by the Accountant General for 1970-71 to 1973-74. The salient features of the Budget Estimates of 1973-74 are as follows :- |
RECEIPTS
|
Items |
Amount in lakhs of rupees |
| A Receipts in the Consolidated Fun | |
| (i) Statutory grant under Finance Commission Award. |
292.00 |
| (ii) State's share of Central taxes and duties under the finance commission Award. |
207.47 |
| (iii) Central assistance outside the Finance commission Award for non-plan expenditure. | |
| Grants .............................................................. | 23.01 |
| Loans............................................................... | |
| (iv) Grants from Ministry of Transport for construction and maintenance of border roads, etc. |
139.63 |
|
(v) Central assistance for Plan expenditure |
|
| (a) Grants .......................... |
904.50 |
| (b) Loans........................... |
100.50 |
| (vi) Central assistance for Centrally Sponsored Schemes. | |
| (a) Grants | 338.27 |
| (b) Loans | 2.50 |
| (vii) States receipts .................... | 161.20 |
| (viii) Market loan | 110.00 |
| (ix) Loan from Life Insurance Corporation of India | 45.00 |
| (x) Temporary Ways and Means Advances from Reserve Bank of India | 60.00 |
| Total - A | 2384.08 |
| B - Receipts under the Contingency Fund | 50.00 |
| C. Receipts in the Public Account | 2944.80 |
| .D. Opening cash balance................................ | (-)186.02 |
| Total - Resources (A+B+C) | 5192.86 |
EXPENDITURE
| ( In lakhs of rupees) | |||
|
Item |
Plan |
Non-Plan |
Total |
| A. Expenditure. | |||
| 1. Gross revenue expenditure | 1074.97 | 1535.04 | 2610.01 |
| Deduct - recoveries | 5.50 | 154.07 | 159.57 |
| Net revenue expenditure | 1069.47 | 1380.97 | 2450.44 |
| 2.. Gross capital expenditure | 452.35 | 510.37 | 962.72 |
| Deduct Recoveries | 6.05 | 3.99 | 10.04 |
| Net Capital expenditure | 446.30 | 506.38 | 952.68 |
| Total - Gross | 1527.32 | 2045.41 | 3572.73 |
| Net | 1515.77 | 1887.35 | 3403.12 |
| B. Expenditure under the Contingency Fund | .... | ..... | 50.00 |
| C. Expenditure in the Public Account | 2907.48 | ||
| D. Closing cash Balance | (-)1167.74 | ||
| Total - (A+B+C+D) | 5192.86 | ||
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The Budget Estimates for 1973-74 show an overall deficit of Rs.11.68 crores. Apart from the amount of Rs.5.55 crores which represents the debt repayment liability of the State to the Government of India, this also includes the non-plan gap of Rs.186.02 lakhs estimated to be carried over from 1972-73. The increase is accounted for due to the expanding and the necessary for strengthening the administrative machinery and taking up other measures. |
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Central levies |
53. The levies on various taxes, etc., imposed for meeting the expenditure incurred by the Central Government for evacuees from Bangladesh are being discontinued by introduction of a Repealing Bill. With a view to raising resources for meting the deficit and to fulfill the developmental needs of the State, I propose to continue these levies with necessary modifications by the introduction of suitable legislative measures. The State Government have also constituted a Taxation Committee with a view to suggesting measures for Nationalisation of the taxation structure and increasing yield from various taxes. |
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Sixth Finance Commission |
54. While we are fully prepared to do our best in regard to the raising of additional resources, yet it will have to be acknowledged that the requirement of the situation cannot be met fully unless the Government of India comes to our aid. As the Honourable Members are aware, the Sixth Finance Commission has started functioning. The State Government have placed its requirements before the Commission. This is the first occasion when the Commission will be looking into the requirements of the State. The Government would like to impress that in view of the special factors and problems of the State, Meghalaya deserves special treatment in this regard. The Budget for 1973-74 reflects the desire of the Government to do its best towards the realisation of the cherished goals of elimination of poverty, ignorance, disease and ensuring of economic growth with social justice. I do admit that we have to function within the limitations imposed by paucity of resources, shortage of technical personnel and agricultural and industrial backwardness of the State. But I do hope that with the ushering in of the next Five-Year Plan, and larger devolution of finances under the Sixth Finance Commission's Award, there will be a larger expansion of the budgetary resources of the State which would enable a quicker progress towards our objectives. I can upon all of you to extend your co-operation and put your best effort towards building up of a happy and prosperous Meghalaya. With these words, I place the Budget for 1973-74 for the consideration and acceptance of the House. JAI HIND. |