SHILLONG, APR 23: Commissioner & Secretary in-charge planning department Dr Vijay Kumar D has outlined Meghalaya’s structured approach to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) delivery during a high-level workshop at the State Convention Centre.
“We have established SDG cells across districts, deployed District Research Fellows, and built a grassroots data network through Village Data Volunteers,” Dr Kumar said while addressing the session.
He added that the State has expanded the CM Catalytic Fund to improve SDG outcomes, with each district now able to access grants of up to ₹1.5 crore for targeted interventions.
Reiterating the government’s targets, Dr. Kumar said, “The State’s goal is to rank among India’s top 10 states in SDGs by 2030 and in per capita income by 2032.”
The workshop was organised by the Planning, Investment Promotion & Sustainable Development Department in collaboration with the Indo-German Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP-GIZ), focusing on data-driven governance and district-level convergence.
In his keynote address, Secretary (PIP & SD), R Nainamalai linked SDG acceleration with the State’s “Viksit Meghalaya” vision, which targets a $10 billion economy by 2028 and $100 billion by 2047.
“Meghalaya is one of the few states implementing an SDG-linked budget to ensure measurable development outcomes,” he noted.
Nainamalai said Meghalaya continues to retain its “Performer” status in the NITI Aayog SDG Index, with strong gains in clean water, reduced inequalities, and climate action.
The workshop focused on strengthening district-level data systems, SDG-linked outcome budgeting, vocational skilling in green jobs, and monitoring frameworks such as the Village Advancement Index and Meghalaya One Portal.
East Khasi Hills was recognized as a leading district performer, showcasing the impact of decentralized planning.
Interactive sessions included “Strengthening data-driven decision making at districts in Meghalaya in the Health sector” and a two-part session on “SDG linked Outcome Budgeting.”
Participants also engaged in discussions on “Strengthening vocational education through simulation in Green Jobs” and “Panchayat Advancement Index.”
Other sessions covered “Strengthening SDG Monitoring” and the “Role of documentation,” concluding with key takeaways. Earlier, in his welcome address, Shri K.M. Pala, Advisor, GSDP-GIZ, said accelerating the State’s SDG performance rests on three pillars: “Building partnerships, continuous innovation, and ensuring outcome-based accountability.”
The convergence began with a context-setting session on SDG implementation in Meghalaya, highlighting proactive grassroots development approaches and resource mobilization efforts like the CSR Conclave and CM Catalytic Fund for SDGs.
With a multi-tier monitoring framework already in place, Meghalaya is sharpening its focus on convergence, financing, and evidence-based planning to accelerate progress towards becoming a top-performing SDG State by 2030.
Officials noted that from economic growth to social equity and environmental protection, Meghalaya is working to ensure sustainable development shapes resilient communities and safeguards future generations.
