Union Finance Minister Sitharaman Highlights Khasi Principles for Good Governance
Shillong, July 11 : Meghalaya has launched a series of significant capital investment projects, with a strong emphasis on boosting tourism, enhancing sports infrastructure, empowering women, and expanding digital access across the state. The initiatives were unveiled during an event attended by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.
During the launch, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman lauded Meghalaya’s consistent growth and visionary leadership under Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. She highlighted that Meghalaya has been allocated ₹5,400 crore under the Special Assistance to State for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, commending the state for its effective utilization of these funds for capital assets. Sitharaman reiterated the Central Government’s commitment to empowering and transforming the Northeast region. She also pointed out the construction of over 540 kms of roads and a five-fold increase in optical fiber coverage in Meghalaya since 2014, and praised the state’s performance in various schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission and PM Awas Yojana.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma expressed gratitude for the Union Government’s continuous support. He outlined Meghalaya’s governance model, which focuses on purpose, target, and results, and reaffirmed the state’s goal of becoming one of India’s top 10 states by 2032 and achieving a $10 billion economy. Currently, Meghalaya is nearing a $6 billion economy with a growth rate approaching 15%, significantly higher than the national average. The Chief Minister also noted that Meghalaya has successfully leveraged nearly ₹12,000 crore in funding through Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) for various developmental initiatives.
Key projects launched include:
- 75 Digital Libraries in Remote Areas: An initiative valued at ₹162 crore (SASCI-funded), aiming to establish 750 digital libraries in rural areas to connect youth with the National Digital Library and foster a reading culture.
- Redevelopment of Umiam Lake: A flagship tourism project costing ₹120.81 crore (SASCI-funded), set to transform Umiam Lake into a world-class eco-tourism hub, projected to attract over 1.27 lakh tourists annually and create nearly 4,000 jobs.
- MICE & Tourism Infrastructure at Mawkhanu: Spread over 106 acres with a proposed SASCI funding of ₹103 crore, this project includes the Meghalayan Experience Theme Park, an open-air amphitheater, and festival zones to boost tourism beyond Shillong.
- Mawkhanu Football Stadium: Proposed with ₹732 crore in SASCI funding, this state-of-the-art complex will feature a residential football academy in partnership with NorthEast United FC, solidifying Meghalaya’s status as the Football Capital of India.
- Working Women’s Hostels: A ₹132 crore (SASCI-funded) project providing safe and affordable accommodations for working women in Shillong (400 beds) and Jowai, Byrnihat, and Tura (200 beds each).
- Office-cum-Residential Complex for CBIC, New Shillong: A modern integrated facility costing ₹256.23 crore to strengthen CBIC’s administrative operations in Meghalaya.
- Northeast Regional Campus of Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), Mawkhanu: Funded by PM’s DevINE with ₹100.95 crore, this marks the first time IICA will have an office outside Delhi, serving as a premier institution for corporate governance and economic research in the Northeast.
Additionally, a cheque distribution ceremony was held, benefiting recipients under schemes such as PM MUDRA, PM SVANidhi, PMEGP, and NPS Vatsalya, promoting grassroots financial inclusion. Entrepreneurs received cheques to support ventures ranging from cultivation and bakery to printing, stationery, cafes, and homestays.
In a significant move for the state’s organic farming sector, Nirmala Sitharaman flagged off a 2-metric-tonne consignment of organic pineapples from Meghalaya to LULU Retail, Dubai. Sourced from the Jirang Organics Farmer Producer Company, this initiative, supported by IFAD’s Megha-LAMP, highlights Meghalaya’s growing role in the global horticultural value chain.
Dignitaries also released the “PRIME Impact Report” titled “Meghalaya on the Move: Achievements Over 7 Years,” which showcases the state’s accomplishments in governance, innovation, and enterprise.
The event was attended by a distinguished gathering including Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya; Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs; Sniawbhalang Dhar, Deputy Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers of the Government of Meghalaya; Deepti Gaur Mukerjee, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India; Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairperson, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC); Donald Phillips Wahlang, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Meghalaya; along with senior officials from both the Government of India and various departments of the Government of Meghalaya.
