Top News
Meghalaya opposition hits out at Modi for withdrawing funds
Shillong, Sep 24 (IANS) Hitting out at the Narendra Modi-led government for withholding developmental funds in Meghalaya, the opposition Congress on Monday demanded that the House should pass a resolution to urge the Centre to immediately release funds in respect of the North Eastern Council (NEC) to ensure that the state is not deprived.
“I am afraid since the manner in which the resources being transferred by the Central government are depriving the state and the people. Not only Meghalaya but in the whole northeast,” Leader of Opposition, Mukul Sangma said.
Sangma was participating in a discussion on the overall development in the state and the need to seek more financial assistance from the centre, and earmark a budget provision for all the eleven districts in the state in the assembly moved by Congress legislator, Process Sawkmie.
Asking Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma to compare the difference of financial assistance that the state had received from the Centre between the past and the present, the veteran Congress legislator said: “The Centre is not forthcoming and the money is not coming because even entitlements of the state are being withheld.
“It is agonizing, painful, and unacceptable for small state like Meghalaya which depends on its minimum resources. We have to fight for our entitlements.”
Sangma pointed out that there was no momentum in as far as getting the Centre’s support on road projects, including the SARDP (North East) that had brought change to the road network.
Informing the Assembly that the centre did not sanctioned any projects in respect to roads since 2014 after BJP assumed power, the Leader of Opposition also pointed out that NEC schemes already sanctioned and first installment released, but the implementation was put on hold for want of compliance with NEC instructions.
“Why has the NEC instructed to put on hold these projects when the government had identified them based on priorities. What is going to happen to these projects? When projects are withheld, funds cannot be utilized. When the state government is not able to submit utilization certificates, the NEC also cannot release further funds,” he said.
On Development of North Eastern Region ministry and the status of projects in respect of NEC, Sangma alleged that a big manipulator is sitting in Delhi to deprive the state from getting funds.
“In the name of changing the guidelines, they (Centre) stopped sanctions until existing projects get completed. When will the projects be completed, when 2019 elections is knocking the door. The government of India has adopted a tactic how to deprive the state.
“I have a caution because I could see and read between lines about the actual intent. We are stepping into October but till now, clarity about NEC, NLCPR is not forthcoming. After December, they will be in a no sanction mode,” he said.
–IANS
rrk/ahm/
Top News
Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.