By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 21: From road connectivity and urban infrastructure to organic farming and youth exchange programmes, Meghalaya received investments worth Rs 555.63 crore from the North Eastern Council (NEC) during the 2022-26 period under the 15th Finance Commission framework.
An official communique stated that the funding covered multiple sectors, including education, entrepreneurship, tourism, agriculture, healthcare and tribal livelihood initiatives across the state.
A substantial portion of the allocation, amounting to Rs 160.87 crore, was utilised under the Schemes of NEC (SoNEC), supporting the construction and upgrading of community assets such as school buildings, markets, bridges, tourism infrastructure and healthcare facilities in different districts.
The Council said the interventions were also aimed at boosting livelihood opportunities through projects linked to honey production, mushroom cultivation, Lakadong turmeric processing, livestock development and integrated farming systems.
Organic farming initiatives and programmes supporting rural producers and tribal communities were likewise taken up during the period.
Alongside economic development projects, the NEC stated that several initiatives focused on preservation of Meghalaya’s cultural identity and strengthening local community infrastructure. These included the development of cultural complexes, eco-tourism facilities and community halls, besides programmes encouraging women entrepreneurship, skill development and waste management in rural areas.
In the roads sector, Meghalaya was sanctioned five projects worth Rs 331.51 crore under the NESIDS-Roads programme. Three of those projects, collectively valued at Rs 98.32 crore, have already been completed.
The upgraded Mawshynrut-Hahim (Athiabari) road was among the projects highlighted by the NEC as a key connectivity initiative expected to improve movement of goods and regional trade.
The Council further stated that during 2025-26 alone, projects worth over Rs 33.85 crore were approved in areas such as education, entrepreneurship and urban development.
One of the major initiatives involves pipeline realignment and beautification works along the approach road to Iewduh Market in Shillong, with the project targeting improvements in sanitation, public lighting, waste management and civic infrastructure around the busy commercial area.
Other recently sanctioned projects include an Integrated Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Centre intended to support tribal youths, farmers and women entrepreneurs, as well as financial assistance for construction of the Ramakrishna Mission School at Sohra under the Focused Development of Deprived Areas programme.
The NEC also highlighted educational exchange initiatives undertaken during the year.
Under the Ashtalakshmi Youth Exchange Programme, 581 students from various parts of the country visited institutions in the Northeast, including 44 students who toured IIM Shillong. In another initiative, 99 students from Meghalaya were among 786 students from the Northeast who visited ISRO as part of the NE-SPARKS programme during 2025-26.
The Council additionally released funds in April this year for sports infrastructure projects in Meghalaya, including an indoor stadium at Madan Tukhon in Jongsha and a mini outdoor stadium at Gambegre in West Garo Hills.
Financial support was also sanctioned for construction of a major bridge over the Umngot river under the NESIDS (Roads) scheme.
