SHILLONG, July 11: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday laid the foundation stones and inaugurated infrastructure and development projects totalling ₹1,087.81 crore in Meghalaya, marking a major boost to the state’s growth trajectory.
Speaking at the Integrated Public Programme held at LARITI – the International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture in Shillong – Sitharaman praised the effective governance of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, highlighting Meghalaya’s efficient utilisation of funds under central schemes, especially the ₹5,400 crore allocated through the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).
“Some states have struggled to make full use of their allocations. Meghalaya, however, has demonstrated strong implementation capacity by fully utilising its SASCI share,” she remarked.
The Finance Minister emphasized the Centre’s continued commitment to the development of the Northeast, calling the region an integral part of the nation’s progress. Citing achievements, she noted the construction of over 540 km of roads in the state and a fivefold increase in optical fibre connectivity since 2014.
She also lauded Meghalaya’s performance under key flagship schemes including the Jal Jeevan Mission, PM Awas Yojana, PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, and the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Chief Minister Sangma expressed gratitude to the Centre, stating that the Finance Minister’s visit went beyond official engagements and reflected genuine concern for the aspirations of the people. “This is an opportunity for us to present local concerns and share our development vision directly with the Centre,” he said.
Reaffirming Meghalaya’s ambition to rank among India’s top ten states by 2032, Sangma outlined the strategic use of Externally Aided Projects (EAPs), noting that the total developmental funding accessed through schemes and EAPs now stood at nearly ₹12,000 crore.
