Shillong, June 19: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday announced the laying of foundation stones for 30 development projects worth ₹1,246 crore, describing the move as a major step towards strengthening connectivity, tourism, education, skill development and livelihood opportunities across the state.
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| Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma during the foundation-laying ceremony for development projects worth ₹1,246 crore in Shillong. (Image: X/SangmaConrad) |
The projects were launched in the presence of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her visit to Shillong for the conference on “Leveraging Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) in the North-Eastern States.”
According to the Chief Minister, the projects will be implemented under several key externally aided initiatives, including the Meghalaya Ecotourism Infrastructure Development Project (MEIDP), the Meghalaya Logistics and Connectivity Improvement Project (MLCIP), Supporting Human Capital Development in Meghalaya (Phase II), and the Integrated Ecotourism and Sustainable Agri-based Livelihood Development Project (IESALDP).
Sangma said the projects are expected to create new economic opportunities, improve infrastructure, and enhance service delivery across various sectors. He noted that the state is currently implementing externally aided projects worth more than ₹12,000 crore, making Meghalaya one of the leading states in the Northeast in leveraging international development assistance for growth and development.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Chief Minister acknowledged the continued support of the Central Government in advancing Meghalaya’s development agenda.
Earlier in the day, Sangma attended the inaugural session of the conference on Externally Aided Projects, which brought together Chief Ministers from across the Northeast, senior government officials, and representatives of development agencies and financial institutions.
Addressing the gathering, the Meghalaya Chief Minister highlighted the transformative impact of externally aided projects in the region. He said partnerships with global development agencies, facilitated through the Government of India, have helped states address critical challenges in healthcare, education, livelihoods, infrastructure development and environmental conservation.
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In Meghalaya, he said, these projects have promoted innovation, strengthened institutions and delivered measurable benefits to communities. He emphasized that the Northeast is increasingly emerging as a growth engine for India and that continued support for externally aided projects would be vital for sustaining momentum and unlocking new opportunities.
Sangma also thanked Sitharaman for her leadership and vision, stating that collaborative efforts between the Centre, state governments and international development partners would ensure inclusive and sustainable growth across the Northeast.
The foundation-laying ceremony and conference underscored Meghalaya’s growing focus on infrastructure development, human capital enhancement and sustainable livelihoods, with externally aided projects playing a central role in shaping the state’s development trajectory.
