Shillong, June 13: Meghalaya Chief Minister D D Lapang today said a number of Centrally-sponsored schemes could not be implemented in the state due to the state government's inability to contribute 25 pc matching grant. Inaugurating newly-constituted Meghalaya state planning board here, he said further development was possible if such schemes were implemented fast and the grant contribution was made later.

Lapang said it was time to focus on vocational education for the youth. "Vocational education assures the student with some kind of job when he is out of school".

He appreciated the Centre for the flow of Central fund from the non-lapsable pool and the creation of the Department of North-Eastern Region (DONER) for rapid development of the area.

Meghalaya Chief Secretary J Tayeng, meanwhile, said the government would issue show cause notices to the government employees, besides the concerned departments, who offered financial support to the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).

"Action would be taken against the erring government employees. Such financing has also led to lack of development," Tayeng said.

The financing of ultras by government servants came to light after police seized documents belonging to the HNLC.

He said the level of militancy in east of Meghalaya was now "very low" as compared to Garo Hills in the western parts of the state.

"It is a welcome step that people have tried to resist the militants," Tayeng said.

Bureau Report