Meghalaya marked a milestone in its development journey as Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman laid the foundation stones and inaugurated multiple transformative projects worth ₹1,087.81 crore at an Integrated Public Programme at LARITI – International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture.
She lauded Meghalaya’s steady growth and vision under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, highlighting the state’s effective utilisation of the ₹5,400 crore allocated under the Special Assistance to State for Capital Investment (SASCI).
Strong Central Support for Northeast’s Transformation
Reiterating the Centre’s commitment to the Northeast, the Finance Minister noted significant strides in road construction, optical fibre coverage, and progress under flagship schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission, PM Awas Yojana, and Swachh Bharat Mission.
She applauded Meghalaya for fully leveraging its allocated funds, contrasting its achievement with other states yet to utilise theirs in full.
Chief Minister Outlines Vision for a $10 Billion Economy
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma expressed gratitude for the Union Government’s continued support and emphasised purpose-based, target-based, and result-based governance. He reaffirmed Meghalaya’s goal to be among India’s top 10 states by 2032 and highlighted its current near 15% growth rate, well above the national average.
He also showcased how Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) have brought in nearly ₹12,000 crore, boosting wide-ranging developmental initiatives.
Key Projects Launched to Drive Holistic Development
- 75 Digital Libraries in Remote Areas: ₹162 crore SASCI-funded initiative to connect youth with the National Digital Library and foster a reading culture.
- Redevelopment of Umiam Lake: ₹120.81 crore to create an eco-tourism hub expected to attract 1.27 lakh tourists annually.
- MICE & Tourism Infrastructure at Mawkhanu: ₹103 crore project featuring a theme park, open-air amphitheatre, and festival zones.
- Mawkhanu Football Stadium: Proposed ₹732 crore state-of-the-art complex with a residential football academy in partnership with NorthEast United FC.
- Working Women’s Hostels: ₹132 crore for safe and affordable accommodation in Shillong, Jowai, Byrnihat, and Tura.
- Office-cum-Residential Complex for CBIC, New Shillong: ₹256.23 crore integrated facility to enhance administrative operations.
- Northeast Regional Campus of IICA, Mawkhanu: ₹100.95 crore for a premier institute focused on corporate governance and capacity building — the first IICA campus outside Delhi.
Empowering Entrepreneurship and Farmers
A cheque distribution ceremony saw entrepreneurs receiving funds under schemes like PM MUDRA, PM SVANidhi, and PMEGP to kickstart or expand ventures in cultivation, bakeries, cafés, homestays, and more.
In a boost for organic farming, the Finance Minister flagged off a consignment of premium organic pineapples to LULU Retail, Dubai, showcasing Meghalaya’s emergence on the global horticulture stage.
The event brought together key leaders, senior officials, and community stakeholders, reaffirming Meghalaya’s commitment to sustainable growth, economic diversification, and inclusive prosperity.
