Shillong, March 11: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday said that Meghalaya is on track to achieve a Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of ₹85,787 crore (USD 10 billion) by FY28.

“We are not just investing in projects; we are investing in people—creating over five lakh jobs by 2028,” Sangma said, underlining the employment opportunities generated through government schemes, infrastructure expansion, and private sector investments.

The CM highlighted the three fold increase in the state budget from ₹9,858 crore in 2017-18 to ₹27,072 crore in 2024-25, with a strong focus on capital expenditure.

“The growth in our budget reflects our commitment to making Meghalaya a developed state with a robust economy,” he asserted.

Meghalaya’s own revenue has also seen significant improvement, doubling from ₹1,817 crore in 2017-18 to ₹4,041 crore in 2024-25. The CM attributed this growth to efficient tax collection and new revenue-generating initiatives.

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he CM underscored that a record ₹4,000 crore has been sanctioned for roads in the last seven years, a stark contrast to the ₹659 crore allocated for roads over the previous three decades. “Infrastructure development is our priority, and we are ensuring that no part of Meghalaya is left behind,” Sangma said.

Significant investments have also been made in education and healthcare. Under Mission Education, the government is upgrading 2,611 schools, while administrative and health infrastructure projects are being expanded. The upcoming New Shillong City is another major focus area, designed to support urban expansion, decongest Shillong, and facilitate economic activities.

Addressing concerns about unemployment, the CM outlined several government initiatives aimed at job creation and entrepreneurship support.

The Meghalaya government is making a significant push for employment generation, with a multi-sectoral approach spanning tourism, self-help groups (SHGs), and skill development. With ₹2,896 crore earmarked for tourism, the sector is set to create 60,817 new jobs, boosting both direct and indirect employment. At the grassroots level, the number of SHGs has surged from 5,894 in 2018 to 51,674 in 2025, positively impacting over 4 lakh people through financial inclusion and entrepreneurship support.

Complementing these efforts, the CM Skills Mission (2025-28) is set to train one lakh youth, equipping them with skills tailored for local, national, and global job markets, ensuring Meghalaya’s workforce remains competitive and future-ready.

Sangma further noted the growth of the IT sector, particularly the Shillong Tech Park Phases I & II and Tura Tech Park, which are projected to create 22,000 jobs. “We are laying the foundation for a strong digital economy in Meghalaya,” he said.

Significant improvements were also highlighted in the power sector, where the state has reduced Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses from 32% to 17% while ensuring an average daily power supply of 22.61 hours.

In response to concerns over water scarcity, the CM pointed out the 57-fold increase in Jal Jeevan Mission funding, which has led to an expansion in tap water connections from just 4,550 households in 2019 to 5.33 lakh in 2024.

The CM detailed how the government is promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development through the CM FARM+ program, which targets the expansion of 22,916 hectares of farmland and is expected to create 71,436 jobs. Crops such as Lakadong turmeric, large cardamom, black pepper, and coffee are being promoted to boost farmers’ incomes.

Additionally, processing units and value addition initiatives in agriculture are projected to generate 75,936 jobs by 2028, significantly increasing rural employment.

Defending the state’s borrowing levels, the CM clarified that Meghalaya’s debt remains below the national average and is being strategically managed. “Our borrowings are well within limits, and we have leveraged grants and external aided projects (EAPs) to maximize development without overburdening our finances,” he elaborated.

He also noted that SASCI (Special Assistance for Capital Investment) funds amounting to ₹2,450 crore in FY25 are essentially grants rather than loans, ensuring fiscal sustainability.

While the ruling coalition lauded the budget’s ambitious vision, opposition members raised concerns about implementation challenges, particularly in the education and healthcare sectors. Some MLAs questioned whether the 2,611 school upgrades would be completed on schedule and sought clarifications on teacher recruitment.

In response, the CM reassured the House that the government is committed to timely execution. “Education remains one of our top priorities, and we will ensure that our schools are equipped to provide quality learning environments,” he said.

Similarly, regarding healthcare, members of the opposition pointed out gaps in rural healthcare delivery despite increased National Health Mission funding. Sangma acknowledged the challenges but emphasized that the 50% reduction in maternal deaths and 32% reduction in infant deaths between 2020-24 was evidence of progress.

Concluding his reply, the CM reiterated his government’s Mission 2032, a long-term development strategy focused on infrastructure, employment, and economic diversification. “By 2028, Meghalaya will be an ₹85,787 crore economy, with thriving industries, world-class infrastructure, and empowered citizens,” he underscored.

Read: Conrad to gift Meghalaya’s Eri – the peace silk to PM Modi

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