SHILLONG, JAN 9: The North Eastern Council (NEC) has released Rs 13,45,38,500 for various development projects in Meghalaya, focusing on tourism, culture, infrastructure, and education.

The projects include the construction of tourism infrastructure at Laitlyngkot, a cultural complex at Seng Khasi Ri Raid Laban, and a commercial building at Iewdak Laban Municipal Market.

Additionally, funds have been allocated for constructing school buildings at several locations, including RKM School (at Laidiengsai, Mawrah, Laitryngew, Wahlong, Pynursla, Pomsohmen and Nongkynrih), and improving waste management and infrastructure along the main approach road to Iewduh market.

Rs 3 crore has been released under NESIDS (Roads) for road improvement works, including the Shillong City to Umroi Airport road, benefiting around 10 villages with a population of approximately 7,287 .

During December 2025, the North Eastern Council (NEC) released a total amount of ₹76,78,58,035/-, which includes releases made to the across all Northeastern States as well as to various regional and other agencies across the North Eastern Region.

In addition to state-specific releases, the North Eastern Council (NEC) disbursed a total amount
of ₹26,47,42,847 to Regional and Other Agencies during the month.

This support was extended through a range of region-wide initiatives implemented by universities, research institutions, specialised corporations, and cultural organisations across the North Eastern Region.

Major project interventions included the establishment of kiwi orchards; sponsorship of education for 91 boarder scholars and 622 day scholars from North Eastern States; setting up of banana tissue culture facilities; safeguarding heritage and promoting sustainable livelihoods through Geographical Indication (GI) registration of 166 crops/commodities of the region; establishment of pig breeding units (Phase-III); promotion of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAP)-based livelihood opportunities; creation of entrepreneurial ecosystems to augment rural income; establishment of high-tech horticultural nurseries with tissue culture facilities; scientific smoked meat production units; multi-agriculture projects for promotion of fishery and piggery; and advanced research initiatives such as 5G use-case development for societal challenges and socio-ecological and economic analysis of Sone Beel for sustainable management.

Non-project activities comprised a wide spectrum of regional-level seminars, cultural programmes, youth exchanges, technology and innovation events, academic and linguistic
workshops, and studies on sustainable development.

Key initiatives included the District-Level Youth Cultural Exchange Programme for Promotion of Peace and Harmony; Rising Uttar Pradesh; the 14th State-Level Sirarakhong Hathei (Chilli) Festival; participation in Chiang Mai Design Week 2025, Thailand; organisation of state-level handloom and handicrafts fairs; programmes on women empowerment and elimination of violence; Dibang Winter Fest 4.0; promotion of sports festivals in Manipur; construction of multipurpose community infrastructure; studies on physico-chemical water quality in selected areas of Assam, Mizoram, and Manipur; capacity building for academic excellence through AI-enabled digital transformation in higher education; studies on democratic decentralisation and governance institutions; assessments of entrepreneurial readiness of PMEGP beneficiaries; and organisation of the 9th Ranglong Khohui.

These initiatives were implemented through key institutions and agencies, including the North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Society (NERCRMS), North Eastern Development Finance Corporation (NEDFi), North Eastern Handicrafts & Handlooms Development Corporation Ltd. (NEHHDC), North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Ltd. (NERAMAC), University of Science & Technology, Meghalaya (USTM), Assam University, Mizoram University, Thanagong Development Co-operative Society Ltd., Manipur, and the Arunachal Pradesh Eco Adventure Sports & Youth Development Society, collectively contributing to regional development, cultural preservation, capacity building, and technological advancement across the North Eastern Region.

Also Read: Railway development must consider local sentiments: Rymbui

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