SHILLONG, July 15: The North Eastern Council (NEC) has released more than Rs 13.58 crore to Meghalaya under its Scheme of North Eastern Council (SoNEC) during May and June 2026 for a series of projects aimed at strengthening healthcare, education, renewable energy, cultural infrastructure and connectivity across the state.
Among the major allocations is funding for the installation of a 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system at Tura Civil Hospital, a move expected to significantly improve diagnostic facilities for patients in Garo Hills and reduce dependence on referrals to hospitals outside the region.
The NEC has also sanctioned financial assistance for infrastructure development at Shillong Polytechnic and for the establishment of a Multi-Disciplinary Training-cum-Resource Centre by the North Eastern Regional Community Resource Management Society (NERCORMS), with the objective of enhancing skill development and institutional capacity.
In the cultural sector, the NEC has extended support for the construction of the Seng Khasi Cultural Complex and the Seinraij Jowai Community Hall, projects aimed at preserving indigenous traditions while creating community spaces for cultural and social activities.
Recognising the importance of traditional markets in the state’s economy, the NEC has also funded upgrade works at Iewduh market. The project is expected to improve market infrastructure and provide better facilities for traders, farmers and consumers.
Meanwhile, in a bid to strengthen Meghalaya’s renewable energy sector, the NEC sanctioned funds for survey and investigation works for the proposed Mawblei Hydro Electric Project, Myntdu Leshka Stage-II Hydro Electric Project and the Selim Hydro Project, paving the way for future hydropower development.
Meanwhile, the Shillong-Umroi Airport Road, another NEC-funded project, was completed in June 2026. The improved road connectivity is expected to facilitate easier access to Umroi Airport while boosting tourism, trade and economic activities in the region.
Apart from the state-specific allocations, the NEC also released Rs 18.93 crore to regional agencies, universities, non-governmental organisations and societies across the Northeast during the same period.
A portion of the funding supported programmes held in Meghalaya, including the Industry Academia Research Conclave-2025 organised by the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Meghalaya and the Miss and Mister Beauty Pageant-2026 hosted at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS).
According to the Council, the financial assistance is part of its continued efforts to strengthen public services, improve infrastructure and promote inclusive and sustainable development across Meghalaya and the wider Northeastern region.
