Shillong, Aug 15: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma in his Independence Day address laid a sketch of the state in 2032 — one where young people thrive in global workplaces while building enterprises at home, farmers sell to international markets, athletes bring home Olympic medals, and women lead the charge in public life.
Addressing the state on the occasion of 79th Independence Day at J.N. Stadium, Sangma the state is now halfway through its journey toward Vision 2032, and the progress we made so far gives every reason to be optimistic about the future. “We are working with perseverance and dedication to ensure that development reaches every corner of the state and benefits every citizen. I sincerely thank each one of you for your continued support and collaboration with the Government” he said.
The CM said the state’s GDP had already grown from under ₹30,000 crore in 2018 to ₹59,626 crore in 2025, with a consistent 10% growth rate for three consecutive years after the pandemic. “We are the second fastest-growing state in India, just after Tamil Nadu,” he said, crediting persistence, careful planning, and citizen cooperation.
Meghalaya’s growth rate at constant prices is now 9.66% for 2024–25, compared to 5.1% in 2018 when the MDA government came to power. “We are halfway through our 15-year journey from 2018 to 2032,” he said, noting that the next phase will see the GDP more than double again to ₹1.4 lakh crore.
Sangma said public investment has laid a strong foundation for development but said the focus must now shift to mobilising private capital. He highlighted projects such as Lemon Tree Aurika’s 5-star hotel in Shillong, Intercontinental Hotels Group’s project in Sohra, and a push for green industries in hydropower and bamboo. “The state is targeting ₹8,000 crore in private investment to generate jobs and expand opportunities” he said.
Border Peace and Governance Reforms
Progress in resolving the long-standing border dispute with Assam includes completing inter-state boundary pillars in the Hahim area under a bilateral MoU. Justice reforms include training police, prosecutors, and judges under new criminal laws and deploying mobile forensic vans to every district.
Urban and Rural Transformation
The government has sanctioned ₹14 crore for redeveloping Shillong’s Iewduh Market and relocated 407 Khyndailad hawkers to the MUDA complex with financial support. New Shillong City is seeing rapid development, with projects such as IT Park Phase II, Unity Mall, and a heliport.
In agriculture, a ₹22 crore grant is funding Ri-Bhoi’s largest organic spice unit, set to benefit 7,500 ginger farmers with export access. A record market intervention under the CM Assure programme credited ₹44,000 each to 15,000 broom grass farmers. Initiatives under CM Farm+ are boosting crops such as turmeric, mushrooms, and pineapples.
Women and Youth at the Forefront
Women’s self-help groups have grown from 6,000 in 2018 to 53,000 today, with 40,000 members earning over ₹1 lakh annually. Ryndia silk recently received GI tag recognition.
Sports infrastructure is expanding, with India’s largest dedicated football stadium under construction in New Shillong. Meghalaya will host the 39th National Games in 2027, with a target of winning 50 medals and producing its first Olympian by 2032.
Entrepreneurship, Tourism, and Skills
The PRIME and CM Elevate programmes have supported thousands of young entrepreneurs. Over 800 new homestays and tourism circuits in destinations like Mawsynram and Nongkhnum are creating rural jobs. Skilling programmes have trained over 30,000 youth, with many securing jobs abroad.
Health and Education Gains
Maternal deaths have fallen by 51% and infant mortality by 37% since 2020 through initiatives such as the MOTHER programme and expanded health insurance under MHIS. Nearly 2,500 medical professionals have been recruited.
School infrastructure now includes electricity, clean water, and libraries in thousands of institutions. Higher education has expanded with the Captain Williamson Sangma State University and new degree colleges.
Connectivity Push
The state’s road network has expanded from under 10,000 km to over 14,000 km in a decade. The Umroi Airport runway will be extended to accommodate Airbus aircraft. Piped drinking water now reaches more than 5.39 lakh households.
Reiterating “Mission 10” — ten commitments from connectivity to healthcare — Sangma urged citizens to stay optimistic as the state enters the second half of its Vision 2032 journey.
He closed with traditional Khasi, Pnar, and Garo proverbs on unity and community welfare: Ka Bhalang Ka Imlang (work for the common good), Tip Bru Tip Blai (know man to know God), and Bijagita ma.dime, na.tik gita skonge (together like bees, together like shrimps).
Also Read: “A People’s House”: Raj Bhavan opens for Independence Day celebrations
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