“Funds fully utilised”: Sitharaman hails Meghalaya’s governance at Rs 1,087 Cr launch

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 11, 2025

Meghalaya witnessed a milestone in its development journey on Friday as Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman laid foundation stones and inaugurated several transformative projects worth Rs 1,087.81 crore at the Integrated Public Programme held at LARITI – International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture.

Speaking on the occasion, Sitharaman lauded Meghalaya’s steady growth and bold vision under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.

She informed that a total of Rs 5,400 crore has been allocated to Meghalaya under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. “I am happy that the government has used the amount effectively for creating capital assets. I must place on record my appreciation of Meghalaya’s efforts—the funds have been fully utilised. Some states are unable to use their share in full, but here we have Meghalaya setting an example,” she said.

Reflecting the Centre’s continued support, Sitharaman reiterated that the Government of India views the Northeast as a region to empower, strengthen, and transform. She also highlighted the construction of over 540 km of roads in Meghalaya and a fivefold increase in optical fibre coverage since 2014. She praised the state’s performance in flagship schemes such as Jal Jeevan Mission, PM Awas Yojana, PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, and Swachh Bharat Mission.

“The total money given to Meghalaya since 2021 stands at Rs 5,400 crore,” she added, expressing satisfaction at how the state government has utilised the funds for capital projects.

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, in his address, expressed gratitude to the Union Government for its continued support. “The Union Finance Minister’s visit is important, not just for official programmes but also for connecting with the people to understand their issues firsthand and provide guidance for the way forward,” he said.

Sangma outlined the government’s model of purpose-based, target-based, and result-based governance and reiterated the goal of placing Meghalaya among India’s top 10 states by 2032. He revealed that the state’s economy is nearing the $6 billion mark, with a growth rate close to 15%, well above the national average.

He also noted that Meghalaya has successfully leveraged various schemes and Externally Aided Projects (EAPs), securing funding of nearly Rs 12,000 crore to implement a wide range of development initiatives.

Key Projects Inaugurated and Launched

75 Digital Libraries in Rural Areas (Rs 162 Cr, SASCI): To establish 750 digital libraries connecting rural youth to the National Digital Library and promoting reading habits.

Redevelopment of Umiam Lake (Rs 120.81 Cr, SASCI): A flagship tourism project aimed at transforming Umiam Lake into a world-class eco-tourism destination, expected to attract 1.27 lakh tourists annually and generate nearly 4,000 jobs.

MICE & Tourism Infrastructure at Mawkhanu (Rs 103 Cr, SASCI): Development of a Meghalayan Experience Theme Park, amphitheatre, and festival zones to boost tourism beyond Shillong.

Mawkhanu Football Stadium (Rs 732 Cr, proposed SASCI funding): A state-of-the-art stadium and residential football academy in partnership with NorthEast United FC, reaffirming Meghalaya’s position as the “Football Capital of India.”

Working Women’s Hostels (Rs 132 Cr, SASCI): Affordable accommodations in Shillong (400 beds) and Jowai, Byrnihat, and Tura (200 beds each), enhancing support for working women.

Office-cum-Residential Complex for CBIC, New Shillong (Rs 256.23 Cr): A modern integrated facility to strengthen administrative operations.

Northeast Regional Campus of IICA at Mawkhanu (Rs 100.95 Cr, PM-DevINE): The first-ever campus of the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs outside Delhi, focusing on corporate governance, economic research, and capacity building in the Northeast.

Empowering Entrepreneurs and Farmers

A cheque distribution ceremony was also held for beneficiaries under schemes like PM MUDRA, PM SVANidhi, PMEGP, and NPS Vatsalya, enabling entrepreneurs to expand ventures such as farming, bakeries, cafés, and homestays.

In a boost to Meghalaya’s organic farming sector, Sitharaman flagged off a 2-metric-tonne consignment of premium organic pineapples for export to LULU Retail, Dubai. The consignment, sourced from farmers of the Jirang Organics Farmer Producer Company in Ri-Bhoi under the IFAD-supported Megha-LAMP initiative, highlights Meghalaya’s growing role in global horticulture.

The event also saw the release of the PRIME Impact Report: Meghalaya on the Move, showcasing the state’s achievements in governance, innovation, and enterprise over the past seven years.