Editor,
The Meghalaya Budget 2025-26 is a bold step forward, and credit must be given where it’s due. Instead of just ticking boxes, this budget lays out a clear vision for economic growth, job creation, and sustainability. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about shaping a Meghalaya that thrives.
The ‘Meghalaya Mission 10’ stands out as a game-changer, aiming to push the state’s economy to $10 billion by 2028. Focusing on ten key sectors shows a structured, forward-thinking approach. The push for entrepreneurship and skilling is another major win, especially the creation of a dedicated Department of Entrepreneurship and Skilling. This move recognises that innovation and self-employment are just as crucial as traditional job sectors.
Education also gets a well-deserved boost, with the Chief Minister’s Scholarship Scheme supporting 80,000 students. This initiative makes higher education more accessible, ensuring that financial struggles don’t hold back bright young minds. Investing in students today means a stronger Meghalaya tomorrow.
Infrastructure is another major highlight—better roads, urban development, and improved connectivity will bridge long-standing gaps. Investments in tourism, agriculture, and industry promise new opportunities for growth. The Green Meghalaya plus programme is also a smart move, rewarding communities for conservation while ensuring sustainable development.
Healthcare has seen a significant push, with expanded funding for hospitals, improved maternal and child health programmes, and streamlined drug procurement. The Megha Health Insurance Scheme now covers more people with higher benefits, ensuring better access to medical care.
The power sector is also making strides, with new substations, improved rural electrification, and investments in solar energy under the Chief Minister’s Solar Mission. A stronger energy infrastructure will power industries, homes, and businesses more reliably.
Regional connectivity is getting a boost with new highways, bridges, and plans for airport expansion. Better transport links will improve trade, tourism, and mobility. The focus on border trade and economic corridors will also help Meghalaya tap into greater economic opportunities.
However, a strong plan is only as good as its execution. The real challenge will be ensuring timely implementation and making sure these investments benefit local communities first. Private sector investments must create real jobs for the people of Meghalaya, not just profits for large corporations.
Overall, this budget reflects a leadership that is thinking ahead. While no budget is perfect, this one lays down the right foundations. If implemented effectively, it has the potential to transform Meghalaya into a thriving, self-sustaining economy. Eagerly looking forward to a strong and flourishing Meghalaya.
Yours etc.,
Bahunlang Pde,
Via email
Cabinet retreats: A hole in the State’s pocket
Editor,
Concerns about the expenditure of the cabinet retreat in Sohra held at Polo Orchid on January 10 -11 January 2025 are valid, especially given the financial constraints faced by the state. Holding such meetings in Shillong itself could significantly reduce costs, as it would eliminate the need for expensive lodging and catering at luxury resorts.
The use of public funds should always be justified by tangible benefits to the people. If such retreats are genuinely necessary for better governance, they should have clear objectives and measurable outcomes. Otherwise, spending crores on a two-day event, particularly if some MLAs do not even attend the discussions, raises serious questions about accountability and financial prudence.
If this becomes a recurring practice, it could indicate a pattern of using government PP mode retreats to benefit certain businesses rather than serving the public interest. Transparency in expenditure and justification for such events should be demanded to ensure that public funds are used responsibly.
Yours etc.,
DK Challam,
Via email
Trade wars and global impact
Editor,
Apropos of the editorial “Bull in a China shop” (ST March 5, 2025) Donald Trump’s recent tariffs have indeed escalated trade tensions between the US and China. Trump has imposed a 20% tariff on Chinese goods, which has led to China retaliating with its own tariffs on American products. In the context of the current tariffs war between the U.S. and China the editorial can be applied to describe the aggressive and unrestrained actions of either side in imposing tariffs and retaliatory measures. Just like a bull rampaging through a China shop, the escalating trade war can have far-reaching and unintended consequences, disrupting global trade, affecting industries, and causing economic instability. The tariffs imposed by the US and counter-tariffs by China have created a volatile situation, with both sides engaging in a tit-for-tat strategy that risks further escalation and damage to their economies and the global market. This trade war is expected to have significant economic impacts, including consumer prices and disruptions to supply chains. China’s retaliatory tariffs include up to 15% on key US farm exports, such as chicken, pork, soy and beef. This move is likely to affect American businesses and consumers, leading to higher prices of various products.
Both countries are trying to protect their economic interests. The long-term effects of these tariffs on the global economy remain to be seen. The counter-tariffs imposed by China in response to U.S. tariffs have indeed escalated tensions and could be seen as the beginning of a trade war. This back-and-forth of tariffs can lead to increased economic strain on both the countries and potentially disrupt global trade. Trade wars typically involve a series of retaliatory measures, and the current situation between the U.S. and China, both economic giants of the world fit this pattern. The economic impact of these tariffs can be substantial, affecting various industries and leading to higher prices for consumers.
A study by the World Economic Forum highlighted that tariffs and trade wars can dramatically change the tenor of global trade, leading to reduced trade volumes and slow-down of economic growth. Additionally, the economic consequences of trade wars can extend beyond the directly involved countries, affecting emerging economies and global markets. They can also create uncertainty in global markets. The economic consequences of trade wars can be long-lasting, potentially leading to shifts in global trade patterns and economic alliances.
The editorial has also raised a very interesting point: “Thanks to Trump, Zelenskyy is now caught between the devil and the deep sea”. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is indeed facing a challenging situation as the highly anticipated summit between him and the U.S. President Donald Trump ended in a diplomatic failure. The U.S. has paused military aid to Ukraine, putting Zelenskyy in a difficult position as he navigates the ongoing conflict with Russia. He has expressed his commitment to securing peace and is ready to work under President Trump’s leadership to achieve a lasting resolution. However, the suspension of U.S. military aid has left Ukraine in a vulnerable position, and Zelenskyy may need to seek support from other European nations to continue defending against Russian aggression. In this complex geopolitical landscape, Zelenskyy is indeed caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, trying to balance diplomatic efforts and military needs to secure Ukraine’s future.
Just how desperate Zelensky is can be gauged by his overtures towards President Trump and virtually apologising for the diplomatic fiasco last week at the Oval Office. Zelenskyy is now ready to part with his precious minerals to the Americans who are thirsting for it given the current dominance of China in the field.
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh,
Via email