SHILLONG, July 10: Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived in Shillong on Thursday for a four-day visit to Meghalaya, where she will participate in a series of development-focused events aimed at boosting entrepreneurship, reviewing ongoing initiatives, and engaging directly with local communities.
On her arrival, Sitharaman is scheduled to inaugurate the newly constructed Polo Shopping Complex in Shillong and interact with interns of the Project Monitoring Information System (PMIS), underscoring her focus on youth engagement and governance transparency.
The highlight of her visit will be the inauguration of the Northeast Conclave on July 11, alongside the foundation stone laying ceremony for the upcoming campus of the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) at IIM Shillong. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma will join her as the guest of honour for the event.
As part of her itinerary, the Union Minister will also visit the Shillong Tech Park at Umsawli and open an exhibition showcasing innovative products from farmers and entrepreneurs at the Lariti International Centre. The focus here is on promoting regional entrepreneurship and showcasing local talent.
On July 12, Sitharaman is slated to meet industry leaders at the Courtyard Marriott, followed by in-depth interactions with Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), “Lakhpati Didis,” and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in Laitkynsew village. She will also meet beneficiaries of the Payment for Ecosystem Services Programme in Siej village and address a public programme at Sohbar village, located near the Indo-Bangladesh border and listed among the 96 Vibrant Villages identified for strategic development.
Concluding her visit, the Finance Minister will visit the Ramakrishna Mission School in Sohra on July 13 before departing the state.
