Shillong, June 20: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman concluded her two-day visit to Meghalaya on Friday after participating in a series of programmes that showcased the state’s progress in infrastructure, connectivity, livelihoods, agriculture and community-driven development initiatives. The visit highlighted Meghalaya’s growing reputation as a development model in the Northeast through strategic investments and strong development partnerships.
According to the state government, the visit underscored Meghalaya’s emergence as a leading example of how development financing, community participation and effective governance can work together to accelerate economic growth and improve the lives of citizens. The government credited Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s leadership for helping the state successfully leverage development partnerships and externally aided projects to drive transformation across sectors.
During the valedictory session of the Conference on Leveraging Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) in the North Eastern States, Sitharaman observed that central assistance and externally aided financing have played a transformative role in the region. She said such investments have enabled states to undertake critical projects in infrastructure, education, skilling and social development while easing financial pressure on state governments. She also stressed the need to strengthen institutional capacity and project implementation systems to sustain future growth.
As part of her visit to West Jaintia Hills, the Union Finance Minister inaugurated the 59.955-km Jowai–Nartiang–Kdiap–Khanduli (JNKK) Road, funded by the New Development Bank at a cost of ₹59.48 crore. The project is expected to improve connectivity and enhance access to economic opportunities in the region. She also interacted with students of Kiang Nangbah Government College and met young footballers at the Wahiajer Centre, recognising the sporting talent emerging from Meghalaya.
Sitharaman further visited the Shree Ma Jayantee Temple and the historic monoliths at Nartiang, where she interacted with artisans, exhibitors and entrepreneurs showcasing Meghalaya’s traditional handicrafts, GI-tagged products and cultural heritage.
The visit also highlighted several key development initiatives, including the inauguration of the Organic Spice Industrial Unit (PRIME-HUB), the largest organic spice processing facility in the Northeast. Developed with an investment of ₹30 crore, the facility has the capacity to process over 10,000 metric tonnes of organic spices annually and is expected to benefit around 5,500 farmers across 112 villages.
The Union Finance Minister also laid foundation stones for projects worth over ₹1,200 crore under various externally aided programmes. These include the Meghalaya Logistics and Connectivity Improvement Project worth ₹957.46 crore, the Meghalaya Ecotourism Infrastructure Development Project worth ₹91.60 crore, Supporting Human Capital Development Phase II worth ₹59.29 crore, and the Integrated Ecotourism and Sustainable Agri-based Livelihood Development Project worth ₹138.39 crore.
The state government said the visit reaffirmed Meghalaya’s progress towards its vision of “Viksit Meghalaya 2032”, demonstrating how strategic investments, infrastructure development, community participation and grassroots empowerment are being translated into tangible benefits for citizens across the state
