Nirmala Sitharaman visits Laitkynsew, applauds women-led growth and grassroots transformation in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 13, 2025

Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited Laitkynsew village in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills on July 12, where she interacted with Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Lakhpati Didis, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). She lauded the Government of Meghalaya’s efforts in effectively implementing Central and State schemes and underscored the importance of inclusive development to achieve the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”

Accompanied by Meghalaya Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, Sitharaman expressed gratitude for the state’s warm hospitality. “I am leaving with strong memories of the remarkable efforts underway to take the benefits of governance to every corner of this beautiful state,” she said.

Reflecting on her engagements in the aspirational district of Ri-Bhoi and Shillong, the Minister noted that Meghalaya’s progress embodies Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

“If we truly believe in Sabka Vikas, development must reach everyone—men and women, villages and cities, young and elderly, rich and poor alike. Inclusive growth must empower every citizen to pursue their aspirations and secure a dignified livelihood,” she stressed.

Sitharaman praised improvements in Meghalaya’s health sector, citing the decline in maternal mortality as a key achievement. She highlighted the transformative role of SHGs and the Lakhpati Didi initiative, which aims to ensure at least five women in every village earn an annual income of Rs 1 lakh.

“Motivation grows when one of your own achieves success. The Lakhpati Didi initiative has inspired women across India to dream bigger,” she said.

The Minister also commended grassroots entrepreneurs like Lahun Mary Blah of Ieng Rasong SHG, who started with a Rs 4,000 loan selling clothes and scaled up to running a tea stall and flower boutique. Today, her annual income has grown from Rs 20,000 to Rs 3.4 lakh, creating jobs in her community and saving over Rs 4,000 in her SHG. “My journey gave me confidence to grow from homemaker to businesswoman,” Mary shared, expressing hope to inspire others.

Sitharaman reaffirmed the Centre’s support for Meghalaya’s goal of building a $30 billion economy by 2030. “If every village contributes, Meghalaya can become a model for India’s vision of a developed country by 2047,” she noted.

She also highlighted the Centre’s consistent focus on the Northeast, with Union Ministers visiting the region monthly to ensure sustained policy support. “With strong backing from Prime Minister Modi, we are determined to work with Meghalaya to fulfill these aspirations,” she said.

In Shillong: Focus on industry, MSMEs, and inclusive growth

Earlier in Shillong, Sitharaman chaired a stakeholder consultation organised by the Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with the Department of Financial Services (DFS), CBIC, and CBDT. The session drew business leaders, entrepreneurs, industry representatives, and citizens.

She felicitated Meghalaya’s top women taxpayers Rimiful Shylla and Wanjoplin for their contribution to the nation’s tax system.

Key issues raised during the interaction included the need for environmentally sustainable development, boosting R&D support, strengthening the hospitality sector, reducing logistics costs, and improving credit access for startups and MSMEs in the Northeast.

Sitharaman welcomed the suggestions, emphasising the importance of participatory policy-making and region-specific strategies. She urged stakeholders to route proposals through relevant ministries and DoNER for follow-up and assured that the Union Government remains committed to fostering innovation-driven, inclusive growth in the Northeast.