National Games 2022: Meghalaya govt to move PM for financial aid

Shillong, June 07 : Expressing the inability of the state to raise the required fund to host the National Games in 2022, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma has said that the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) which he heads will be approaching the Central government for financial help in this regard.

Sangma said that the State Government will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to submit detailed proposals for hosting the National Games in 2022.

“We will be meeting Prime Minister in a month’s time to submit the detailed proposals on the plan of the State Government for hosting the National Games,” Sangma said while speaking to reporters after inspecting the site Umsawli village in New Shillong Township for construction of the main stadium and the Games village for the National Games.

According to Meghalaya Chief Minister, the projected expenditures for development of the infrastructures for hosting of the National Games will be above Rs 1500 crore and it may be touch even upto Rs 2000 crore.

“We are examining the areas for raising the resources. It is not possible for the State Government to raise these resources on its own. We are hopeful that the Centre will support us. At the same time, we may be looking at private partnership in some sections which would help to save the investment money. We are hoping to get the support from the different agencies. The meeting with the Prime Minister is very crucial,” he said.
Sangma also said that during the meeting with the 15 Finance Commission, the State Government had sought the support of Rs 15000 upto Rs 2000 crore for the National Games.

“The response from the Finance Commission was positive. We expect some kind of support from the Finance Commission on this aspect. To what extend it can support the State Government, that we will know later,” Meghalaya Chief Minister said.

“It is tough but we give all we have and we work overtime if necessary as this is a prestigious event for us and the year 2022 is an important year for the country because of its 75 years of independence and it is very important for Meghalaya because of it is 50 years of our statehood. Therefore, we will go all out and try our level best and we are confident that with the support of officials and team members and everybody will be able to complete this on time,” he said. 
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