Meghalaya has engaged 36 individual consultants and 59 consultancy firms across departments, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma informed the state Assembly on Tuesday. The annual expenditure on monthly remuneration for individual consultants in 2024-25 stands at Rs. 4.35 crore, East Mojo reported.
Replying during the Budget Session's Question Hour to Mawryngkneng MLA Heavingstone Kharpran, Sangma said consultancy firms are not paid salaries like government staff. They are paid based on deliverables fixed in their contracts. 10 departments have hired individual consultants. 13 departments have engaged consultancy firms, the Chief Minister informed.
"Different projects and agencies require different kinds of expertise. The process is carried out as per the mandate of the concerned funding agency or scheme guidelines," Sangma said.
Why consultants are being hired
Chief Minister Sangma said the engagement of consultants does not mean officials lack competence. "Consultants are brought in for specialised expertise, especially where it is mandatory under externally aided projects (EAPs) and centrally sponsored schemes," he said.
Meghalaya is implementing externally aided projects worth over Rs. 12,000 crore. Many require experts in environmental and social impact assessment, resettlement plans, procurement, project management units (PMUs), and contract supervision, as per East Mojo.
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The Chief Minister cited the World Bank-funded second phase of the Meghalaya Integrated Transport Project, sanctioned at Rs. 2,500 crore. Such projects require environmental and social experts as part of the funding conditions.
"These are not government jobs being taken away. These are mandated expert roles under project guidelines," he added.
Of the 36 individual consultants, 19 are locals, including MBAs, retired officials, and subject experts. Agencies like MBMA and MBDA together employ around 1,500 people under various projects, with 99.9 per cent being local youth, CM Sangma said.
Funds, payments, and oversight
The Meghalaya Chief Minister said 5 to 10 per cent of EAP funds can be used for administrative expenses. Of the consultancy spending, 87 per cent comes from externally aided funds.
In reply to Mawlai MLA Brightstarwell Marbaniang, he said Rs. 131.73 crore has been paid to 59 consultancy firms. Of this, Rs. 116 crore came from externally aided funds. The state spent Rs. 10.75 crore, while Rs. 5.67 crore came from central funds. Overall, 85 per cent of consultancy fees were sourced from EAPs, East Mojo reported.
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On performance checks, Sangma said payments are strictly linked to deliverables. "If they do not deliver as per timelines and quality standards, payments are not made."
"Their role is to support the system, not to take over the powers of government officials," Sangma said.
Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma sought details of proposals prepared by consultants. The Chief Minister said the list would be laid on the table of the House. North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum asked about the tenure of firms. Sangma clarified that consultants are appointed project-wise and their contracts end with project completion.
"Consultants are a critical part of implementing externally aided and central projects. They are appointed through defined processes and engaged strictly as per project requirements," the Chief Minister said.
