Shillong, July 11: Meghalaya today launched a slew of transformative projects worth over ₹1,087 crore, with a focus on youth empowerment, tourism, digital access, women’s safety, and sports infrastructure. The projects were unveiled at a special event held at LARITI—the International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture—in the presence of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.
From reimagining Umiam Lake as a global eco-tourism hub to creating digital libraries in remote villages and building a world-class football stadium, the integrated programme marked a bold step in Meghalaya’s development journey.
Union Finance Minister Sitharaman lauded the state for its effective use of central funds under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. “Meghalaya has received ₹5,400 crore under SASCI, and I want to put it on record that every rupee has been utilised. Many other states haven’t managed that,” she said.
Highlighting the Centre’s vision for the Northeast, Sitharaman said, “This government sees the Northeast as a region of potential—to empower, act, strengthen, and transform.” She praised Meghalaya’s achievements in expanding road networks and digital infrastructure, noting that over 540 km of roads have been added and optical fibre coverage has increased fivefold since 2014.
Reinforcing her message, Sitharaman invoked the guiding values of the Khasi community. “Kamai ia ka Hok (earn righteousness), Tipkur Tipkha (respect for one’s roots), and Tip Briew Tip Blei (know man, know God)—these principles should inspire governance across India,” she said, advocating for a just, inclusive, and sustainable development model.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma called the Union Minister’s visit a powerful gesture of leadership connecting with the grassroots. “It is not just symbolic. It shows a government willing to listen and engage,” he said.
Sangma outlined the state’s ambition to become one of India’s top ten states by 203, and build a $10 billion economy. “We’re already close to the $6 billion mark, with a growth rate nearing 15%—well above the national average,” he said, attributing this to effective planning and fund mobilisation. The state, he said, has secured nearly ₹12,000 crore through externally aided projects.
Highlights of the Projects Unveiled:
75 Digital Libraries (₹162 Cr):
To bridge the digital divide, 750 libraries will be established in rural areas, offering access to the National Digital Library and online learning platforms.
Umiam Lake Eco-Tourism Project (₹120.81 Cr):
A major redevelopment initiative aimed at transforming Umiam Lake into a world-class destination, expected to generate 4,000 jobs and attract 1.27 lakh tourists annually.
Mawkhanu Tourism Park (₹103 Cr):
A 106-acre integrated tourism complex with open-air theatres, theme parks, and festival zones aimed at diversifying tourist experiences beyond Shillong.
Mawkhanu Football Stadium (₹732 Cr):
A state-of-the-art stadium and residential academy are being developed with NorthEast United FC, boosting Meghalaya’s identity as India’s football capital.
Working Women’s Hostels (₹132 Cr):
Safe, affordable accommodation for working women in Shillong (400 beds), and Jowai, Byrnihat, and Tura (200 beds each), fostering workplace inclusivity.
CBIC Complex in New Shillong (₹256.23 Cr):
A modern office-cum-residential campus for tax administration and capacity-building.
North East Campus of the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (₹100.95 Cr):
The region’s first such institute outside Delhi, focusing on corporate governance, law, and economic research.
At the event, beneficiaries of central schemes, including PM MUDRA, PM SVANidhi, PMEGP, and NPS Vatsaly,a received financial support for entrepreneurial ventures—from farming and homestays to printing units and cafes.
In a major step forward for the state’s organic farming mission, Sitharaman flagged off a 2-metric-tonne consignment of premium organic pineapples bound for Dubai. Grown by the Jirang Organics Farmer Producer Company in Ri-Bhoi under the Megha-LAMP initiative, the export underscores Meghalaya’s growing presence in the global horticultural market.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, key Cabinet Ministers, Chief Secretary Donald Phillips Wahlang, CBIC Chairperson Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, and Deepti Gaur Mukerjee, Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
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