Major projects launched in Meghalaya with strong focus on tourism, sports infrastructure, women's empowerment, digital inclusion
Meghalaya
witnessed a landmark moment in its development journey today as
Nirmala Sitharaman
, Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister, laid foundation stones and inaugurated several transformative projects in the state worth Rs 1,087.81 crore at an Integrated Public Programme held at the LARITI - International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture. Sitharaman lauded Meghalaya's steady growth and bold vision under the leadership of
Conrad K. Sangma
, Chief Minister.
Informing that a total of Rs 5,400 crore has been allocated to Meghalaya under Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), she said, 'I am happy that the government has used the amount effectively for capital assets. I will put on record my appreciation of Meghalaya's efforts - the funds are being fully utilized. Some states are not able to utilize their share in full; here we have Meghalaya, using its quota entirely.'
She stated that the Government looks at the Northeast as a region to empower, act, strengthen, and transform. She highlighted the construction of over 540 km of roads in Meghalaya, a five-fold increase in optical fiber coverage since 2014. She lauded the state for its performance in schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission, PM Awas Yojana, PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, and others.
She said, 'The total money which has been given to Meghalaya since 2021 till today is 5,400 crore' and expressed her happiness in the way the Government of Meghalaya has utilized the amount in building capital assets. Sangma expressed his gratitude to the Union Government for its continued support to Meghalaya.
He said, 'The Union Finance Minister's visit is important, not only for official programmes but also to connect with the citizens of the state; to understand firsthand the problems we face, and to provide necessary guidance and solutions for the way forward.' Expressing the Government's model of purpose-based governance, target-based governance, and result-based governance, Sangma reiterated the Government's goal of becoming one among India's Top 10 States by 2032.
He stated that the Government's goal is to become a USD 10 billion economy; and, after seven years of continuous and systematic progress, Meghalaya is now close to becoming a $6 billion economy, with a growth rate nearing 15%, significantly higher than the national average. He informed the Union Finance Minister that Meghalaya has successfully leveraged many schemes and projects through Externally Aided Projects (EAPs), which serve as a major source of funding for smaller states.
These initiatives have enabled the state to implement a wide array of developmental projects, with total funding nearing Rs 12,000 crore, contributing significantly to the state's overall growth. Dignitaries also released the PRIME Impact Report, Meghalaya on the Move: Achievements Over 7 Years, highlighting the state's achievements in governance, innovation, and enterprise across sectors.
A cheque distribution ceremony was also held during the event, benefiting recipients under schemes like PM MUDRA, PM SVANidhi, PMEGP, and NPS Vatsalya, reaffirming the Government's commitment to grassroots financial inclusion. Entrepreneurs received the cheques from the Finance Minister and Chief Minister and are all set to start and expand their entrepreneurial ventures ranging from cultivation, bakery, printing & stationery, cafe, homestays, among many.
In a significant boost to Meghalaya's organic farming sector, Sitharaman flagged off a 2-metric-tonne consignment of premium organic pineapples to LULU Retail, Dubai, under the IFAD-supported Megha-LAMP initiative. Sourced from farmers of the Jirang Organics Farmer Producer Company in Ri-Bhoi, this consignment underscores Meghalaya's emergence as a key player in the global horticultural value chain.
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