SHILLONG, SEP 11: The Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) has received a total of Rs 224 crore in funding over the past three years, with Rs 182.30 crore allocated in 2024-25 alone for implementation of cross-sectoral and innovative projects in the state.
Rs 24 crore was also channelled in 2023-24 and Rs 17.70 crore in 2022-23, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma told the Assembly in his reply to a query raised by VPP legislator from North Shillong Adelbert Nongrum on Thursday.
Sangma informed that the authority is subject to audit by the Comptroller & Auditor General of India, ensuring transparency and accountability in its operations.
The MBDA was established in 2012 under the Society Registration Act 1860 as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and a society.
He clarified that the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA) is a not-for-profit organization established under Section 8 of the Companies Act, and was brought into being due to the requirements of external agencies like IFAD.
The chief minister explained that the MBDA is designed to coordinate cross-sectoral developmental projects and innovative projects, and there is no limitation on the agency’s ability to implement projects, whether they are externally aided projects (EAPs) or centrally sponsored schemes (CSS).
Sangma said that the MBDA’s structured and transparent recruitment process, which includes necessary qualifications and exams.
He stated that all 729 employees working under MBDA are local people, and the recruitment process is based on a professional HR policy.
When Nongrum sought to know if the need for a separate authority to implement the EAPs reflects on the incapability of the government departments and officials, the chief minister responded absolutely not and that the government’s departments are capable and doing well, with increasing budgets year on year.
“The projects which are specific to departments are continuing. Our budget has increased from 9000 crore to 30,000 crore today so in every department the budget has also increased. Therefore, the question of departments not engaging is incorrect. they are capable that is why budget is increasing. It is just a question of coordination,”he stated.
He added, “This is being done because multiple departments are involved and coordination is needed (for better implementation of the projects)
He stated that the use of MBDA for project implementation is primarily due to the need for coordination among multiple departments, rather than any lack of capability on the part of government departments.”
To a query by VPP Mawryngkneng legislator Heavingstone Kharpran, the chief minister said projects to protect catchment areas for Shillong and Tura water supply are ongoing.
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