Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday stated that Meghalaya central aid has seen a 231% increase in the last decade, reflecting the government’s focused support for Northeast India. The announcement was made during her visit to Shillong, where she met with state leaders and reviewed development projects.
According to her, the rise in central funds showcases the government’s commitment to balanced regional growth and targeted investments in sectors like infrastructure, education, health, and tribal welfare.
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Direct Transfers and Increased Allocations
In 2014, Meghalaya received ₹9,000 crore in central support. By 2024, the figure had grown to over ₹29,800 crore. This surge includes direct transfers to state departments, centrally sponsored schemes, and special assistance for tribal and rural development.
The Finance Minister emphasized that central schemes like PMGSY (rural roads), Jal Jeevan Mission, and the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) have contributed significantly to this growth.
“Meghalaya is no longer on the sidelines. The Centre is making sure funds reach directly and efficiently,” Sitharaman said.
Chief Minister Welcomes Boost
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma thanked the Centre for what he called a “transformational decade” for the state. Speaking at the same event, he noted that projects once stalled due to lack of funds are now running smoothly.
He added that investments in connectivity and rural livelihoods have made a visible difference. “This consistent financial backing is helping Meghalaya build lasting assets and improve governance,” Sangma said.
Focus on Transparency and Outcomes
The Finance Minister also highlighted the shift toward performance-based funding. The Union Government now tracks fund utilisation through dashboards and state-level reviews.
“Accountability has improved. Funds are no longer just released—they are monitored for outcome,” Sitharaman told reporters.
Officials from the Ministry of Finance and NITI Aayog accompanied her during her visit and met with Meghalaya’s finance and planning departments.
Sector-Wise Gains for Meghalaya
The increase in Meghalaya central aid is visible across multiple sectors:
- Roads and infrastructure: ₹6,500 crore allocated under PMGSY and NH projects
- Health and education: ₹4,200 crore across Ayushman Bharat, school upgrades, and college infrastructure
- Water and sanitation: ₹5,000 crore under Jal Jeevan Mission
- Rural housing and livelihood: ₹3,400 crore under PMAY and NRLM
Moreover, ₹1,800 crore has been spent on skill development and entrepreneurship under various schemes for tribal youth.
Opposition Questions Fund Utilisation
While the Centre highlights financial growth, the opposition in Meghalaya has raised concerns about fund utilisation. Congress MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh claimed that several central projects remain incomplete or delayed.
She asked for an independent audit of flagship programs to ensure accountability at the state level.
In response, the Chief Minister’s Office released data showing 80% project completion rates under NESIDS and PMGSY, with the remaining works expected to finish by early 2026.
Investments Beyond Budgets
Sitharaman also mentioned that the Centre is encouraging private sector investment in Meghalaya. A new industrial policy focused on Northeast India will soon offer incentives for logistics, tourism, and agri-processing sectors in the state.
She said that Meghalaya’s strategic location, coupled with improved roads and internet connectivity, makes it a strong candidate for regional investment hubs.
A Decade of Change
The Finance Minister concluded her visit by saying the last 10 years mark a new era of cooperation between the Centre and Meghalaya. “The numbers reflect more than money—they reflect trust, accountability, and shared vision,” she said.
The surge in Meghalaya central aid represents a major shift in how regional development is approached. With continued cooperation and efficient use of funds, the state is expected to see even stronger growth in the next phase.
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