Shillong, February 16: Meghalaya has set an ambitious goal to rank among India’s top 10 states by 2032, projecting a robust 9.66 per cent economic growth for 2024–25, Governor C. H. Vijayashankar announced at the opening of the 2026 Budget Session of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
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| Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma addresses the Assembly during the 2026 Budget Session in Shillong. (Image: Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Channel) |
The session began on a historic note, with the House rendering all six stanzas of Vande Mataram to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the National Song, followed by the National Anthem and the State Anthem, “Ri Khasi, Ri Pnar, Ri Garo.” Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma expressed gratitude to the Governor for setting the tone for what he described as a forward-looking and growth-oriented session.
Highlighting the state’s economic trajectory, the Governor noted that Meghalaya’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has nearly doubled from ₹29,508 crore in 2018 to ₹59,962 crore in 2025. Under the Meghalaya Excellence Framework, the government aims to accelerate development across key sectors including agriculture, infrastructure, power, IT, tourism and welfare.
Over ₹12,000 crore has been channelled into 15 major projects with support from central schemes such as the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and PM-DevINE. Flagship initiatives include the Integrated Sohra Tourism Project, Shillong Peak Ropeway and Unity Mall. Private investments worth ₹1,800 crore have already been secured, with a target of attracting ₹8,000 crore by 2032.
Education remains a central pillar of the growth roadmap. The state’s education outlay has increased significantly from ₹2,045 crore in 2018 to ₹3,654 crore. More than 2,000 schools have been upgraded with an investment of ₹360 crore, with 97 per cent of works completed. Additionally, 38 new schools are underway, while Samanda and Pahamsyiem schools are operational.
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In a major academic milestone, the Captain Williamson Sangma State University commenced in 2025 with 14 departments and 568 students. Khasi and Garo languages have also been mandated at the preschool and Classes I–II levels to strengthen indigenous identity and early education.
Infrastructure expansion continues to underpin growth, with over 2,960 km of roads constructed since 2018 and the ₹22,000 crore Shillong-Silchar Greenfield High-Speed Corridor in progress. Airport upgrades, improved power supply, and increased solar energy adoption were also highlighted.
Governor Vijayashankar stated that Meghalaya’s development momentum reflects coordinated governance, rising investments and the collective aspiration to transform the state into one of India’s leading performers by 2032.
