Shillong, February 6 : The Government of Meghalaya on Friday conducted its Pre-Budget Consultation Meeting for the Financial Year 2026–27, continuing its annual practice of engaging stakeholders in shaping the State’s fiscal priorities .
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, who also holds charge of the Finance Department, chaired the open discussion attended by academicians, economists, civil society groups, farmer associations, officials and journalists .
Outlining achievements of the past eight years, the Chief Minister said Meghalaya has emerged as the second fastest-growing State in real GSDP after Tamil Nadu . He attributed this to higher capital expenditure and rising private investment . The consultation, he noted, was aimed at strengthening the upcoming Budget, which he will present for a record ninth time . Sharing the State’s Vision@2032 to triple the economy from its 2022 baseline. While discussing Mission 10, the roadmap to drive this vision through focused growth across priority sectors.
In a comprehensive presentation on the State finances, it was highlighted:
• Meghalaya is noted as the only State in India to record a real GSDP growth rate of 10% for three consecutive post‑COVID years.
• The total public expenditure has risen more than three-foldconsequently, public service delivery has improved, key infrastructure projects are being built and creating better opportunities for people.
• State’s strong performance under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), which offers 50‑year interest‑free loans, which is like a grant, has enabled largescale asset creation, with its higher absorption capacity allowing Meghalaya to secure greater normative allocations under the programme.
• Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) are supporting multiple community‑led initiatives, including MeghLAMP, MeghARISE, and the Climate Adaptive Community‑Based Water Harvesting Project.
• Currently, 15 EAPs are under implementation with an estimated cost of ₹12,100 crore, of which 90% funded by the Government of India and 10% funded by the State
Noting that this momentum is visible on the ground with growth of high-value tourism, Meghalaya has moved from having zero 5star properties to now having two operational and four more are under development, with additional four more to come up by 2032. Over 800 homestays have been sanctioned across the State, creating new income opportunities. Highvalue agriculture is also growing, with rapid expansion in spices, Lakadong turmeric, and pineapples. Social indicators like maternal mortality have reduced by 42% since FY 22 in the State through initiatives like the Chief Minister’s Safe Motherhood Scheme (CM-SMS).
The Chief Minister interacted with participants on issues ranging from education and skilling to tourism and entrepreneurship, assuring that suggestions would be considered in the Budget.
Citizens have been invited to share further views via email at [email protected] or through the CM Connect helpline. The Budget Session of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly will be held from February 16 to 27
