By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 16: Governor Chandrashekhar H. Vijayashankar on Monday delivered his customary address to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on the opening day of the budget session, spotlighting the state’s remarkable economic acceleration and ambitious roadmap under Vision 2032.
The Governor highlighted Meghalaya’s emergence as the second-fastest growing state in India after Tamil Nadu, with a real Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) growth of 9.66% in 2024-25—nearly double the national average. Meghalaya stands alone in sustaining an average real growth rate of around 10% for three consecutive years post-COVID-19.
The state’s economy has nearly doubled from Rs 29,508 crore in 2018 to Rs 59,626 crore in 2025, demonstrating resilience and effective governance. This momentum positions Meghalaya firmly on course to achieve its bold goal: tripling the economy from 2022 levels by 2032, he said.
Aligned with the Meghalaya Excellence Framework and Mission 10, this target aims to elevate the state among India’s top 10 in per capita income and Sustainable Development Goals performance, transforming it into a prosperous, inclusive hub, the Governor stressed.
Key drivers include sustained high growth, private investments exceeding Rs 1,800 crore (with a Rs 8,000 crore target by 2032), and major projects like the Rs 330 crore Varun Beverages facility and Rs 300 crore Taj Umiam Resort. Externally aided projects worth Rs 12,166 crore (72% as central grants) span roads, power, agriculture, water, and tourism, he pointed out.
Infrastructure strides feature a road network over 13,000 km (including 1,181 km national highways), with over 2,960 km developed since 2018 at a cost of Rs 5,000 crore. PMGSY completed 1,180 schemes connecting around 300 habitations, while the Rs 22,864 crore Shillong-Silchar Greenfield Corridor promises enhanced connectivity. Air access will improve with Shillong Airport expansion and Baljek Airport efforts.
Border progress includes erecting 54 pillars in Hahim and 83 in Gizang under the Assam-Meghalaya MoU for six disputed areas, signed in 2022, he stated.
Security enhancements involve BSF coordination, nearly 3,000 police recruitments, 14 housing projects, and the new Counter Insurgency & Jungle Warfare School in Baghmara. New criminal laws modernise justice with digital tools, the Governor said.
Governance reforms earned third national rank in Compliance Reduction. Autonomous District Councils received bailout packages (Rs 115 crore to GHADC, Rs 27 crore to JHADC) for salary arrears.
Sectoral gains cover 83% rural tap water under Jal Jeevan Mission, MGNREGA’s 2.13 crore person-days, PMAY-G’s 1.55 lakh houses, 53,000+ SHGs empowering women, PM-KISAN for 1.96 lakh farmers, and missions boosting agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries, he added.
Concluding, the Governor urged constructive debate and unity: “As we advance towards Vision 2032, with the goal of tripling Meghalaya’s economy from 2022 levels, let us move forward with purpose and conviction for a thriving, prosperous Meghalaya.”
