Guwahati, July 27: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, today said the Union Budget aims to boost economic, industrial, and agricultural sectors by empowering youth, women, and tribal communities in the Northeast.

Speaking at a discussion on the Union Budget with leaders of the business community, youth, and women in Shillong, Sonowal highlighted the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) initiative by the Modi government. The scheme offers Rs 15,000 in three installments to first-time employees and will be integrated with the Meghalaya Industrial & Investment Promotion Policy.

“The Credit Guarantee Scheme supports MSMEs to enhance their operational capabilities, fostering growth in the industrial sector of the Northeast and boosting industrial development and job creation in Meghalaya,” he said.

Sonowal also emphasized the release of 109 high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties of 32 field and horticulture crops. This initiative offers Meghalaya, a pioneer in this field, opportunities to increase income generation and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. The proposed digital crop survey will improve access to credit via Kisan Credit Cards.

An allocation of ₹598 crores for the eco-friendly sustainable agriculture project will help control the adverse effects of climate change, soil erosion, and pest infestations, greatly improving the prospects of agricultural produce from the region.

The Union Budget includes a significant financial injection to boost infrastructure through Phase IV of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, providing all-weather connectivity to remote areas, including the Northeast. Since 2014, PMGSY has connected 3,482 km of roads across Meghalaya at a total cost of Rs 2310.76 crore.

The budget also allocates Rs 2.66 lakh crore for rural development, including rural infrastructure for the Northeast, and Rs 19,338 crores for improving road and highway connectivity. This investment will significantly enhance tourist infrastructure in the region, including Meghalaya.

Sonowal highlighted that the Northeast stands to benefit greatly from this budget, which aims to empower the region’s economic, industrial, and agricultural sectors by enabling youth, women, and tribal communities.

To support traditional artisans, craftsmen, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women entrepreneurs, the budget has increased allocations for schemes like PM Vishwakarma, PM SVANidhi, National Livelihood Mission, and Stand Up India. Additionally, the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram scheme, announced in this budget, aims to improve the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities, directly benefiting 5 crore tribal people in 63,000 villages.

Sonowal further stated that the budget aims to boost the manufacturing and services sector, particularly through the MUDRA scheme, which provides necessary credit support to MSMEs. This will empower entrepreneurial prospects and create significant employment opportunities.

The meeting was also attended by Meghalaya Animal Husbandry Minister Alexander Hek.

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