SHILLONG, FEB 24: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday dismissed concerns over transparency in the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund (CMSDF), saying the scheme is implemented with “a pure heart” and reaches every part of Meghalaya.
Addressing MLAs’ concerns while replying to a cut motion in the Assembly on Tuesday, Sangma said, “I understand the concerns of MLAs…but in a large democratic setup, we want to be open…and accessible to the people.”
He added, “I don’t go by political affiliation…I sanction projects based on need.”
Sangma said he hadn’t asked individuals their party affiliation, even in CM Connect programmes. “I just sanctioned it…for your school…This is how we make a difference in their lives,” he said, claiming CMSDF is “one of the most widely spread schemes” in the state.
“You can ask any recipients of the CMSDF scheme, they will all tell you and I can confidently say that CMSDF is one of the most widely spread schemes, it has gone almost to every nook and corner of the state as we do it with a pure heart. We don’t negotiate with people as we feel this is one scheme we can make a difference and see what people need. As MLA I will be happy if people are getting schemes. Therefore, don’t look at it from any negative point of view,” the CM added.
On MLA eligibility, he said, “Each MLA shall be eligible for projects up to ₹10 lakh in a financial year…it’s not mandatory for every MLA to apply.”
He assured Mawlai MLA Brightstarwell Marbaniang he would look into his concerns.
“We have no intention of stopping any scheme,” Sangma said, inviting MLAs to discuss issues in his chamber.
Earlier, the chief minister also defended reforms to the CMSDF, saying they had streamlined project approval and ensured funds reached every corner of Meghalaya.
Sangma said the CMSDF, previously split into urban and rural funds, required cumbersome processes that delayed projects.
“We have streamlined the process…to ensure projects are sanctioned at the earliest,” he said.
Sangma said ₹50 crore allocated for 2025-26 had been utilized, with funds sanctioned across districts: East Khasi Hills (₹12.88 crore), West Khasi Hills (₹1.94 crore), East Garo Hills (₹3.76 crore), Ri Bhoi (₹3.9 crore), South West Garo Hills (₹5.1 crore), East Jaintia Hills (₹2.1 crore), West Garo Hills (₹13.6 crore), Eastern West Khasi Hills (₹1.52 crore) and North Garo Hills (₹3.5 crore).
“The scheme is open to MLAs, village communities, NGOs…any individual can approach the CM secretariat directly,” he said.
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