Industry players in state engage directly with FM
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 12: Meghalaya’s business leaders, entrepreneurs, industry representatives and citizens engaged directly with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman here on Saturday, using this opportunity to articulate the industry’s requirements from the Centre.
During the interaction, stakeholders raised a range of observations and suggestions. Key issues included the need for a balanced approach to development that upholds environmental sustainability, increased financial assistance and policy support for research and development institutions, and greater focus on the hospitality sector.
Participants also advocated for bringing local industries under the Targeted Champion Sector Scheme, expanding access to credit and markets for startups and MSMEs — particularly those rooted in the Northeast — and increasing central infrastructure investment to spur regional industrial growth.
Concerns were also expressed over high logistics costs stemming from the region’s geographical challenges, with calls for rationalized transport subsidies to enhance competitiveness.
She welcomed their inputs and reaffirmed the Union government’s commitment to inclusive, responsive, and region-specific governance.
Sitharaman encouraged continued collaboration between citizens, industry, and policymakers as a means of co-developing effective development strategies.
To ensure structured follow-up, she advised that proposals and sector-specific concerns be routed through the respective ministries and the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) for appropriate evaluation and action.
The Union Finance Minister also emphasised the importance of participatory policy-making, stating that the Centre is actively working to make tax systems and financial frameworks more accessible and efficient for all stakeholders.
She reiterated the Centre’s commitment to working in close partnership with state governments and local stakeholders to realise a shared vision for a prosperous, sustainable, and innovation-driven Northeast.
In a notable gesture, the Finance Minister felicitated Rimiful Shylla and Wanjoplin — two of Meghalaya’s top women taxpayers — for their commendable contributions to the nation’s tax system.
