Shillong, March 29: Meghalaya is set to receive ₹2,070 crore under a newly introduced central funding component—‘Pride of Hills’—for 2026-27, aimed at accelerating development in India’s hill states facing structural and geographical challenges.
Happy to see Hon’ble Finance Minister Smti. @nsitharaman draped in Meghalaya’s Eri Silk, also known as Ahimsa Silk, celebrating the beauty of our indigenous textiles and the exceptional craftsmanship of our skilled weavers. @deptoftextiles pic.twitter.com/O7X4pj0iJN
— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) March 29, 2026
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for launching the initiative under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).
Taking to social media, Sangma said the creation of the ‘Pride of Hills’ component is a “special recognition of the unique challenges” faced by hill states such as Meghalaya, while also acknowledging the “transformative development” underway in the region.
Very grateful to the Hon’ble PM and Hon’ble Union Finance Minister, Smti @nsitharaman ji for creating a new component under SASCI for 2026-27 called ‘Pride of Hills’ through which additional funds are provided to Hilly States. This is a special recognition of our unique… pic.twitter.com/brb7RYEo2T
— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) March 29, 2026
The scheme, with a total outlay of ₹25,000 crore, targets states grappling with difficult terrain, low population density, and limited revenue-generating capacity—factors that often result in weaker fiscal indicators and higher dependence on central transfers.
According to official documents, the funding is intended to boost capital expenditure and support states in managing committed liabilities such as salaries, pensions, and interest payments, while strengthening infrastructure and development projects.
Among the beneficiaries, Arunachal Pradesh has been allocated the highest share at ₹4,900 crore, followed by Himachal Pradesh (₹3,920 crore) and Nagaland (₹3,880 crore). Meghalaya’s ₹2,070 crore allocation places it among the mid-tier recipients under the scheme.
Officials say the additional allocation—beyond existing SASCI provisions—could provide a significant boost to infrastructure development and economic growth in hill states, including Meghalaya.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has also welcomed the Centre’s newly announced ‘Pride of Hills’ component under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, calling it a “visionary initiative” that acknowledges the unique developmental challenges faced by hill states.
Khandu said the initiative is a significant recognition of issues such as difficult terrain, inaccessibility, and limited revenue-generating capacity—constraints that have long hindered infrastructure growth in states like Arunachal Pradesh. He added that the move reflects the Government of India’s commitment to inclusive and balanced regional development.
Expressing gratitude, the Chief Minister said the allocation of ₹4,900 crore to Arunachal Pradesh under the scheme would provide a major boost to the state’s development trajectory. “This substantial support will greatly strengthen our efforts towards infrastructure development, capital investment, and addressing critical fiscal needs,” he noted.
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