Shillong, July 8: The Meghalaya Cabinet on Wednesday approved a series of key decisions aimed at strengthening higher education, tourism, information technology and agriculture in the state, including the establishment of St. Xavier’s University, the upgradation of Orchid Resort into a five-star property, expansion of the Shillong Technology Park and the setting up of an Integrated Lakadong Turmeric Processing Plant.
The Cabinet approved the establishment of St. Xavier’s University in Meghalaya and sanctioned the allotment of 50 acres of land at Mawkhanu at a concessional rate of approximately ₹1 lakh per hectare following detailed discussions with the university authorities.
The government said the move reaffirms its commitment to strengthening higher education and will provide world-class academic and technical learning opportunities for students in Meghalaya and the Northeast. The university is expected to enhance educational infrastructure while creating new opportunities for the youth.
The Cabinet also approved amendments to the lease agreement for Orchid Resort, Mawkasiang, New Shillong, paving the way for its upgradation into a five-star resort.
Under the revised agreement, the developer will make a one-time deposit of ₹5 crore and contribute 4 per cent of the annual turnover to the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), in line with the state’s policy for similar projects.
The government said the decision is expected to attract private investment, strengthen tourism infrastructure, generate employment and boost economic growth.
The Cabinet approved the revised Administrative Approval for the construction of the second IT Park building at the Shillong Technology Park Campus, Umsawli, New Shillong.
While the main structure is nearing completion, the revised approval will facilitate the development of additional plug-and-play office space, a larger cafeteria, a modern auditorium and centralized air-conditioning to meet the requirements of global IT and technology companies.
The additional work will cost an estimated ₹36 crore, which has already been vetted by the Planning and Finance Departments. As the revised cost exceeds 25 per cent of the original project estimate, Cabinet approval was mandatory under the government’s revised policy.
The Cabinet further approved the purchase of 3.972 acres of land at Thadmuthlong in Laskein Block, West Jaintia Hills, for the establishment of an Integrated Lakadong Turmeric Processing Plant.
The project, estimated at ₹187 crore, is being implemented under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) after Lakadong turmeric was identified as Meghalaya’s flagship product. Most of the funding will be provided by the Central Government, while the state will contribute around ₹30–35 crore.
The processing plant is expected to strengthen value addition, expand market access and improve farmers’ incomes, while further advancing the Lakadong Turmeric Mission launched six years ago and reinforcing Meghalaya’s position as a global producer of premium Lakadong turmeric.
