Meghalaya has witnessed a landmark moment in its development journey Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman laid foundation stones and inaugurated several projects in the state worth ₹1,087.81 crore ($127 million) at the weekend.
Speaking on the occasion, Sitharaman declared that a total of ₹5,400 crore has been allocated to Meghalaya under Special Assistance to State for Capital Investment (SASCI).
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, in his address, reiterated the state government’s goal of becoming one among India’s Top-10 States by 2032.
Key projects launched in Meghalaya:
Mawkhanu Football Stadium (₹732 Cr, proposed SASCI funding): A state-of-the-art complex with a residential football academy, in partnership with NorthEast United FC.
MICE & Tourism Infrastructure at Mawkhanu (₹103 Cr, SASCI): Spread over 106 acres, this includes the Meghalayan Experience Theme Park, an open-air amphitheatre, and festival zones to boost tourism beyond Shillong.
75 Digital Libraries in Remote Areas (162 Cr, SASCI): Implemented by the State Rural Employment Society, this initiative will establish 750 digital libraries in rural areas, linking youth to the National Digital Library and encouraging a reading culture.
Redevelopment of Umiam Lake (₹120.81 Cr, SASCI-funded): A flagship tourism project to transform Umiam Lake into a world-class eco-tourism hub, expected to attract over 1.27 lakh tourists annually and generate nearly 4,000 jobs.
Working Women’s Hostels (₹132 Cr, SASCI): Safe, affordable accommodations in Shillong (400 beds), and Jowai, Byrnihat, and Tura (200 beds each), providing enhanced support to working women.
Office-cum-Residential Complex for CBIC, New Shillong(₹256.23 Cr): A modern integrated facility to strengthen CBIC’s administrative operations in Meghalaya.
Northeast Regional Campus of Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, Mawkhanu (₹100.95 Cr, PM’s DevINE): A premier institution for corporate governance, economic research, and capacity building in the Northeast. Notably, it is the first time, IICA will have its office beyond Delhi.
