Meghalaya Spends Highest On Development In India

Shillong, Mar 17 : The ratio of development expenditure of Meghalaya is higher than the other northeastern states on an average, which indicates that the state is giving more priority to this category compared to other states of the region, the CAG report on state finances for the year ended March 31, 2010 has noted.

In social sector expenditure, involving major components, the Meghalaya government's expenditure on health as a percentage of AE (aggregate expenditure) was higher than the northeastern states' average during the years 2005-06 and 2009-10, whereas expenditure on education was lower, the CAG report tabled in the assembly today highlighted.

Fiscal position indicated that the state not only maintained revenue surplus during the last five-year period ending 2009-10, but it also reached its peak.

Fiscal deficit of the state also significantly reduced during 2009-10 compared to previous year and primary deficit of 2008-09, the report read.

Revenue account increased by Rs 1,700 crore over 2005-06 and growth of revenue receipts was 23 per cent over the previous year, the report said.

Expenditure on salaries during 2009-10 was 6.14 per cent higher than the assessment made in FCP.