By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 12: The North Eastern Council (NEC) Secretariat has released over Rs 46 crore in October 2025 for development projects in Meghalaya and for multi-state initiatives across the North Eastern Region. The funding prioritises infrastructure, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, and scientific research.
Meghalaya received approximately Rs 31.37 crore for state-specific projects, including Rs 5.01 crore for an MRI machine at Tura Civil Hospital, Rs 17.90 crore for the upgradation of the Borkhat-Sonapur road, Rs 5 crore for the construction of a bridge over the Umngot river and Rs 1.04 crore for the Seinraij Jowai community hall in the West Jaintia Hills.
Additionally, NEC released Rs 14.88 crore to central and regional agencies for multi-state projects, including large-scale saffron cultivation, development of a multi-disciplinary training centre in Shillong, and the establishment of high-tech horticulture nurseries.
The Cane and Bamboo Cluster Development Project, implemented at a cost of Rs 9.19 crore, was officially completed on October 8, 2025. The project trained 1,992 artisans, established 15 Common Facility Centres, and organised artisans into 31 producer groups across the eight North Eastern states to promote sustainable livelihoods.
On October 17, NEC officials conducted an on-site inspection of the ongoing construction of the 14.28 km road from Shillong City to Umroi Airport. The Rs 50 crore project is being monitored to ensure quality standards and timely completion.
As part of the North East Students’ Programme for Awareness, Reach, and Knowledge on Space (NE-SPARKS), a group of 106 students from the region visited the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Centre in Bengaluru on October 30-31.
The delegates from the region were led by Richard L Jongte, Deputy Adviser (IPR), NEC, and officials from North East Space Application Centre (NESAC), Umiam.
Under NESPARKS, 800 meritorious students from the eight Northeastern states are scheduled to visit ISRO Centre in Bengaluru to instill inspiration and motivation in young minds of the region. The 7th and 8th batches are expected to visit ISRO in November and December respectively.
The programme, funded by NEC and state governments, aims to inspire students by providing exposure to the nation’s space program.
The NEC Secretariat also observed Vigilance Awareness Week, beginning on October 27 with an Integrity Pledge administered to officials to promote a culture of integrity and combat corruption.
