FM launches key tourism, infra projects in Meghalaya

Time of India

11-07-2025

Shillong: Union minister of finance and corporate affairs Nirmala Sitharaman, on the second day of her visit, laid foundation stones and inaugurated several transformative projects in the state worth Rs 1,087.81 crore at an Integrated Public Programme held at the LARITI - International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture here Friday.
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Lauding Meghalaya's steady growth and 'bold' vision under the leadership of CM Conrad K Sangma, the FM said a total of Rs 5,400 crore has been allocated to Meghalaya under Special Assistance to State for Capital Investment (SASCI).
"I am happy that the govt 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," Sitharaman said in the presence of the CM.
She stated that the Union govt looks at the northeast as a region to empower, act, strengthen and transform and highlighted the construction of over 540 km of roads in Meghalaya, a five-fold increase in optical fibre coverage, since 2014.
Sitharaman lauded the state for its performances in schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission, PM Awas Yojana, PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission and others.
"The total money which has been given to Meghalaya since 2021 till today is 5,400 crores," she said and expressed her happiness in the way state has utilised the amount in building capital assets.
Sitharaman invoked the eternal ethos 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.
Expressing his gratitude to the Union govt for its continued support to Meghalaya, CM Sangma said, "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 first-hand the problems we face, and to provide necessary guidance and solutions for the way forward."
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Highlighting the model of "purpose-based, target-based and result-based governance", the CM iterated Meghalaya's goal of becoming one among India's top-10 states by 2032.
H
e mentioned about Meghalaya's goal of becoming an USD 10 billion-dollar economy and pointed out that Meghalaya is now close to becoming a $6-billion economy, with a growth rate nearing 15%, significantly higher than the national average.
He informed the FM that Meghalaya has successfully leveraged a large number of schemes through Externally Aided Projects, which serve as a major source of funding for smaller states. These initiatives have enabled the state to implement a wide array of developmental projects, with total funding nearing Rs 12,000 crore, contributing significantly to the state's overall growth.
Dignitaries also released the 'PRIME Impact Report, Meghalaya on the Move: Achievements over 7 Years', highlighting the state's achievements in governance, innovation, and enterprise across sectors.
Key projects launched today included 75 digital libraries in remote areas (Rs 162 cr, SASCI).