SHILLONG, Feb 1: Meghalaya’s share of tax devolution has increased from Rs 9,566.09 crore to Rs 9,870.40 crore, as per the Revised Estimates (RE) for 2024-25 presented by the Union government, the state government announced on Saturday. The Budget Estimates (BE) for 2025-26 stand at Rs 10,910.14 crore, reflecting a Rs 1,039.74 crore increase from the RE 2024-25.
The Union Budget 2025 introduces several initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity, healthcare, tourism, industrial growth, and digital education. These measures are expected to play a crucial role in Meghalaya’s development and align with its vision of doubling its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and becoming a USD 10 billion economy.
Terming the Union Budget 2025 as “development-oriented,” the State Additional Secretary (Finance) stated that it paves the way for Viksit Bharat by focusing on key growth drivers such as agriculture, MSMEs, investments, and exports.
Support for farmers
Highlighting the launch of the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, which will cover 100 districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and below-average banking parameters, the Additional Secretary said this initiative is expected to benefit districts in Meghalaya with low agricultural productivity. Additionally, the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loan limit has been increased from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, benefiting a large number of KCC beneficiaries.
Connectivity, infrastructure
The modified Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme will connect 120 destinations, supporting helipads and smaller airports in hilly and aspirational districts across the country. The Additional Secretary stated, “Presenting the Union Budget 2025-26, the Union Finance Minister announced that the modified UDAN scheme will help about four crore additional passengers over the next 10 years. This will significantly improve connectivity in hilly states like Meghalaya.”
The government has also committed to a three-year project pipeline for infrastructure development, encouraging states to implement projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Meghalaya intends to explore funding opportunities under the India Infrastructure Project Development Fund (IIPDF) to accelerate infrastructure development and job creation.
Additionally, the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment, with an allocation of Rs 1.5 lakh crore, will further accelerate Meghalaya’s infrastructure growth. The state utilised over Rs 1,300 crore under this scheme in 2023-24, and the expected utilisation for 2024-25 exceeds Rs 2,000 crore.
Healthcare, nutrition
The Union government will facilitate the establishment of daycare cancer centres in all district hospitals over the next three years, with 200 centres to be set up in 2025-26. This initiative aims to improve access to cancer treatment across Meghalaya.
The Budget also includes increased allocations for Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, along with enhanced cost norms for nutritional support. These measures, in conjunction with Meghalaya’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) Mission, will address malnutrition and stunting, ensuring a healthier future for children.
Tourism development
The Additional Secretary noted that 50 tourist destinations will be developed in partnership with states, with state governments providing land for key infrastructure. Meghalaya’s ongoing investments in world-class tourism infrastructure will be complemented by this initiative, helping position the state as a premier global tourism destination.
MSME, industrial growth
To stimulate industrial growth, the credit guarantee cover for MSMEs has been increased from Rs 5 crore to Rs 10 crore for micro and small enterprises, and from Rs 10 crore to Rs 20 crore for start-ups. This enhanced access to credit, combined with incentives under the Meghalaya Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy, will support young entrepreneurs and boost industrial expansion.
Digital education, broadband connectivity
The Centre’s initiative to extend broadband connectivity to all government secondary and primary schools will enhance access to digital learning resources. The Meghalaya government expects this move to complement its e-learning initiatives, improving educational outcomes and increasing employability among students.
Cooperative sector
The Union government will also extend support to the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) to strengthen its lending operations. This move is expected to provide much-needed capital to fuel growth within the cooperative sector, enhancing financial assistance and economic opportunities.
