CM decries ‘wrong’ perception about NE
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The people of North-East have a feeling that the mainland India holds a wrong perception about the region – so feels Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma.
Speaking at a summit of the Indian Chamber of Commerce here on Saturday, he underlined the need for a right perception about the region to attract more investors to the State.
“There is a wrong perception that North-East is not the right place for investment,” he said.
Emphasising the need to attract more private investors in the State, Dr Sangma said the Government has already formulated the State Power Policy in order to facilitate private investment in the power sector.
“The State has a lot of potentials to produce hydro and thermal power and there is a need to harness these resources for development of the State as well as the nation,” he said.
The State has around 640 million tonnes of coal reserves which can be used for thermal power generation.
“The State Power Policy is pro-people as we have ensured that the community is involved in it and it derives maximum benefit for the people,” he said.
The Chief Minister also underscored the need to promote trade and commerce with the neighbouring countries.
Earlier, during the summit, NEEPCO Chairman IP Barooah cautioned that the State-owned Leshka Hydro Power Project should not suffer from the problem of sulphur content in water which might lead to reduced life of the under-water machinery.
CM’s late arrival: Earlier, the dignitaries at the summit had a harrowing time as the programme was delayed by almost an hour due to late arrival by Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma.
Chief Secretary WMS Pariat, Power Minister AT Mondal, senior government officials and foreign dignitaries were among those had to keep waiting for the Chief Minister to start the programme.
Source: The Shillong Times
