Major Capital Investment Projects Unveiled In Meghalaya With Emphasis On Tourism, Sports, Women’s Empowerment & Digital Inclusion

Meghalaya witnessed a landmark moment in its development journey today as Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, laid foundation stones and inaugurated several transformative projects in the state worth ₹1,087.81 crore at an Integrated Public Programme held at the LARITI – International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture.

Speaking on the occasion, Nirmala Sitharaman lauded Meghalaya’s steady growth and bold vision under the leadership of the Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister. Informing that a total of ₹5,400 crore has been allocated to Meghalaya under Special Assistance to State 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 utilised. Some states are not able to utilise their share in full; here we have Meghalaya, using its quota entirely.”

Reflecting Central Government’s continuous support, Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the Government looks at Northeast as a region to empower, act, strengthen and transform. She highlighted the construction of over 540 kms of roads in Meghalaya, a five-fold increase in optical fibre coverage, since 2014. She lauded the state for its performances 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 crores” and expressed her happiness in the way Government of Meghalaya has utilised the amount in building capital assets.

Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister, in his address, expressed his gratitude to the Union Government for its continued support to Meghalaya. He said, “The Hon’ble 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, Conrad K Sangma, reiterated the Government’s goal of becoming one among India’s Top-10 States by 2032. He stated that the Government’s goal of becoming and USD 10 billion-dollar economy; and, after seven years of continuous and systematic progress, Meghalaya is now close to becoming a $6-billion economy, with an growth rate nearing 15%, significantly higher than the national average.

He informed the Union Finance Minister that Meghalaya has successfully leveraged a large number of 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 ₹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.

Key Projects Launched in Meghalaya Today:

• 75 Digital Libraries in Remote Areas (162 Cr, SASCI): Implemented by the State Rural Employment Society, this initiative will establish 750 digital libraries in rural areas, linking youth to the National Digital Library and encouraging a reading culture

• Redevelopment of Umiam Lake (₹120.81 Cr, SASCI-funded): A flagship tourism project to transform Umiam Lake into a world-class eco-tourism hub, expected to attract over 1.27 lakh tourists annually and generate nearly 4,000 jobs

• MICE & Tourism Infrastructure at Mawkhanu (₹103 Cr, SASCI): Spread over 106 acres, this includes the Meghalayan Experience Theme Park, an open-air amphitheatre, and festival zones to boost tourism beyond Shillong

• Mawkhanu Football Stadium (₹732 Cr, proposed SASCI funding): A state-of-the-art complex with a residential football academy, in partnership with NorthEast United FC, reaffirming Meghalaya’s status as the Football Capital of India

• Working Women’s Hostels (₹132 Cr, SASCI): Safe, affordable accommodations in Shillong (400 beds), and Jowai, Byrnihat, and Tura (200 beds each), providing enhanced support to working women

• Office-cum-Residential Complex for CBIC, New Shillong (₹256.23 Cr): A modern integrated facility to strengthen CBIC’s administrative operations in Meghalaya

• Northeast Regional Campus of Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, Mawkhanu (₹100.95 Cr, PM’s DevINE): A premier institution for corporate governance, economic research, and capacity building in the Northeast. Notably, it is the first time, IICA will have its office beyond Delhi.

A cheque distribution ceremony was also held during the event, benefitting 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 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, the Union Finance Minister 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.

The event was attended by a distinguished gathering of dignitaries including Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Sniawbhalang Dhar, Hon’ble 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; Senior officials from Government of India, officials from various department of the Government of Meghalaya, and others.