Assam and Meghalaya CM Push for Enhanced Externally Aided Projects
Meeting with Union Finance Minister
Assam CM along with Meghalaya CM during a meeting with Union Finance Minister Sitharaman in New Delhi on Wednesday (Photo: @nsitharamanoffc/X)
New Delhi, Sept 9: On Wednesday, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya's Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma convened with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi to advocate for a renewed focus on Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) in their respective states.
The discussion held at Kartavya Bhawan aimed at boosting capital expenditure in the Northeast and establishing new investment pathways for both physical and social infrastructure via EAPs.
Following the meeting, Sarma took to social media to express that both chief ministers had effectively presented their case for revitalizing the pace of EAPs, which would facilitate new investment opportunities in infrastructure.
Sarma noted that Sitharaman reacted positively to their suggestions and committed to a strengthened effort from the Centre to further the development agenda.
Chief Minister Sangma also expressed gratitude towards the Finance Minister for her ongoing support for Meghalaya and the broader Northeast region.
In a social media update, he stated, “Met the Hon’ble Union Finance Minister, Smti @nsitharaman ji along with the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. @himantabiswa ji to discuss matters relating to Externally Aided Projects. Thank the Union Finance Minister for always supporting the aspirations of Meghalaya and the NE Region.”
This meeting is particularly important for Assam as it aims to expedite infrastructure development and explore new investment opportunities through EAPs.
The discussions follow a conference led by Sitharaman in Shillong in June, where she highlighted that assistance for EAPs in the Northeast had surged seven-fold under the current government.
She revealed that support for the region escalated from approximately Rs 9,000 crore during the period of 2004-2014 to nearly Rs 76,000 crore from 2014 to 2026.
Sitharaman emphasized that EAPs should not merely be seen as funding tools but as means to enhance local products' access to global markets, improve livelihoods, and transform the Northeast's geographical challenges into economic growth opportunities.