Shillong, February 23, 2026: Meghalaya has generated 3.66 lakh jobs between 2019 and 2025, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma informed the State Assembly on Monday while responding to the debate on the Governor’s Address.
 |
| Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma addresses the Assembly while presenting employment and economic growth figures for the state. (Image: X@megassemblychannel) |
Citing KLEMS-based estimates prepared using Reserve Bank methodology, the Chief Minister said agriculture led employment generation with 1.90 lakh jobs. Key contributors included floriculture (789 jobs), mushroom cultivation (4,078), fruit development (12,714), organic farming (47,927), and the Lakadong mission (15,333).
He noted that organic farming created significant employment in West Garo Hills (5,279), Ri-Bhoi (4,301), and East Khasi Hills (4,728). Other sectors contributing to job growth included hospitality (12,683 jobs), transport (9,835), and manufacturing and recycling (24,926).
State flagship schemes also supported livelihoods, with about 10,000 beneficiaries under YES Meghalaya, 11,050 under Aqua Mission, 1.7 lakh under CM-CARE, and 9,000 under PRIME, collectively impacting nearly eight lakh residents.
Highlighting wage reforms, Sangma stated that Meghalaya’s minimum wage of ₹525 is the second highest in the country after Karnataka and the highest in the Northeast.
ALSO READ: Congress Releases First List of 24 Candidates for Garo Hills Autonomous District Council Polls
On economic growth, the Chief Minister said Meghalaya is now the second fastest-growing state economy, recording 9.66% real GSDP growth, behind Tamil Nadu (11.91%). The state has maintained an average growth rate of nearly 10% over the past three years and is targeting a GSDP of ₹85,000 crore (around $10 billion).
Meghalaya’s per capita GSDP ranking improved from 28th in 2019 to 26th, ranking fifth nationally in per capita GDP growth between 2019 and 2025 despite a modest population growth rate of 0.95%.
The Chief Minister also highlighted increased spending on small contractors, which rose from ₹454 crore in 2019 to ₹1,286 crore. Announcing housing support for families unable to afford land, Sangma emphasized that development must ensure the poorest are not left behind.
