Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Inaugurates Rs 1,087 Crore Development Projects in Meghalaya

Meghalaya on July 11, 2025, marked a significant milestone in its development journey as Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman laid the foundation stones and inaugurated several transformative projects worth Rs 1,087.81 crore during an integrated public programme at LARITI - International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture.

In her address, the Finance Minister praised Meghalaya’s consistent growth and bold vision under Chief Minister Shri Conrad K Sangma. She highlighted that a total of Rs 5,400 crore had been allocated to the state under the Special Assistance to State for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, noting with appreciation that the funds were being utilised effectively.  “I am happy that the government has used the amount effectively for capital assets. I will put on record my appreciation of Meghalaya’s efforts- the funds are being fully utilised. Some states are not able to utilise their share in full; here we have Meghalaya, using its quota entirely.”

Reflecting the Central Government’s ongoing support, Sitharaman stated that the Northeast remains a region of priority for empowerment and development. She pointed out the construction of over 540 km of roads and a five-fold increase in optical fibre coverage since 2014. She lauded Meghalaya’s achievements in schemes such as Jal Jeevan Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, among others. “The total money which has been given to Meghalaya since 2021 till today is 5,400 crores”, and expressed her happiness in the way the Government of Meghalaya has utilised the amount in building capital assets.

Chief Minister Sangma expressed gratitude to the Union Government for its unwavering support,  “The Hon’ble Union Finance Minister’s visit is important, not only for official programmes but also to connect with the citizens of the state; to understand firsthand - the problems we face, and to provide necessary guidance and solutions for the way forward.”

Reiterating the Government’s commitment to purpose-driven, target-based, and results-oriented governance, CM Sangma shared plans for Meghalaya to be among India’s top ten states by 2032. The state aims to become a $10 billion economy; after seven years of steady growth, Meghalaya is nearing a $ 6 billion mark with an impressive growth rate of nearly 15 per cent, surpassing the national average. 

The Chief Minister also informed that Meghalaya has successfully leveraged numerous externally aided projects, with total funding approaching Rs 12,000 crore, facilitating extensive developmental progress.

Dignitaries unveiled the PRIME Impact Report titled"Meghalaya on the Move: Achievements Over 7 Years,"showcasing the state's advancements across governance, innovation, and enterprise sectors.

Key Projects Launched in Meghalaya Today:

• 75 Digital Libraries in Remote Areas (Rs 162 crore, SASCI):Connecting rural youth to the National Digital Library to promote reading and digital literacy.
• Redevelopment of Umiam Lake (Rs 120.81 crore, SASCI):A flagship eco-tourism project transforming Umiam Lake into a global tourist destination, expected to attract over 127,000 visitors annually and create around 4,000 jobs.
• Tourism & MICE Infrastructure at Mawkhanu (Rs 103 crore, SASCI):Including Meghalaya Experience Theme Park, an open-air amphitheatre, and festival zones to enhance tourism beyond Shillong.
• Mawkhanu Football Stadium (Rs 732 crore, proposed SASCI funding):Featuring a residential football academy in partnership with NorthEast United FC, reaffirming Meghalaya’s reputation as India’s football capital.
• Working Women’s Hostels (Rs 132 crore, SASCI):Providing safe, affordable accommodation in Shillong (400 beds), Jowai, Byrnihat, and Tura (200 beds each).
• Office-cum-Residential Complex for CBIC, Shillong (Rs 256.23 crore):Modern facilities to augment administrative operations.
• Northeast Regional Campus of Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, Mawkhanu (Rs 100.95 crore, PM’s DevINE):The first IICA office beyond Delhi, specialising in corporate governance and economic research.

A cheque distribution ceremony was also held, benefitting recipients of schemes such as PM MUDRA, PM Svanidhi, PMEGP, and NPS Vatsalya, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to grassroots financial inclusion. Entrepreneurs received cheques from the Minister and Chief Minister, supporting ventures in agriculture, retail, hospitality, and more.

In a noteworthy development for Meghalaya’s organic sector, Sitharaman flagged off a two-tonne consignment of premium organic pineapples bound for LULU Retail, Dubai, under the IFAD-supported Megha-LAMP programme. Sourced from farmers in Ri-Bhoi, this shipment highlights Meghalaya’s rising prominence in the global horticultural market.