By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 10: The North Eastern Council (NEC) released Rs 8.46 crore in November for a range of development programmes in Meghalaya, as per official reports issued by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).
The funds have been allocated to strengthen sports and youth infrastructure, improve bridge connectivity, enhance facilities for skill and technical education and support livelihood-based craft clusters aimed at expanding income opportunities.
A major infrastructure project in the state also reached completion this month. The new commercial complex at Barik Point, Shillong, constructed at a cost of Rs 22.73 crore by the Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation Ltd, was completed on November 11, 2025. The project is designed to upgrade the existing Gram Shilpa outlet into a modern marketplace dedicated to Khadi and Village Industries (KVI) products.
According to the report, the complex has generated considerable direct and indirect employment, beginning from the construction stage and extending to sales, management and maintenance roles once the facility becomes fully operational. By offering a contemporary platform to showcase KVI products, the Plaza is expected to widen market access for artisans working in handicrafts, textiles, leather goods, cosmetics and food products, thereby improving their earnings.
At the regional level, the NEC released a total of Rs 56.22 crore in November 2025 for projects spread across all eight Northeastern states. The allocation covers cultural festivals, seminars, research initiatives and multiple development activities, highlighting the Council’s continued emphasis on infrastructure creation, livelihood enhancement, cultural promotion, research and innovation.
In addition to state-wise disbursements, Rs 14.89 crore was released to various central agencies and cultural bodies. The support covers events such as Purvottar Hindi Samagam, Lamka Youth Summit and the North East Riders Meet, along with workshops on climate sustainability and other thematic programmes.
Major project interventions listed in the report include community development initiatives for indigenous groups, establishment of animal feed production and scientific pig-breeding units, development of piggery value-chain infrastructure and strengthening of STINER technology and innovation hubs across the region. Funding was also extended for enhancing sports infrastructure in Manipur.
These initiatives are being implemented through agencies such as the North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Society (NERCORMS), North Eastern Development Finance Corporation (NEDFi), CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology (CSIR-NEIST), and the Education & Research Network (ERNET), among others.
