FM Sitharaman praises MeghalayaÂ’s progress, full utilisation of Rs 5,400 crore SASCI funds
GST
Dated:- 11-7-2025
PTI
Shillong, Jul 11 (PTI) Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday praised MeghalayaÂ’s progress under Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, calling the state a model of effective and purposeful development.
She highlighted the state's exemplary utilisation of its entire allocation of Rs 5,400 crore under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), setting an example for other states to follow.
Speaking at a programme, Sitharaman said, “While some states are unable to fully utilise their shares, Meghalaya has effectively used its entire allocation to build capital assets. I will put on record my appreciation of MeghalayaÂ’s efforts.” She reaffirmed the Centre's commitment to the Northeastern region, adding, “The government looks at the region as one to empower, act, strengthen and transform.” The FM also pointed out key development a
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orting a wide range of development initiatives across Meghalaya, he said.
A series of important projects were launched during Sitharaman's visit.
Among them was the initiative to establish digital libraries in remote areas of the state, with a total budget of Rs 162 crore under SASCI.
Implemented by the State Rural Employment Society, the project aims to set up 750 digital libraries across rural areas, connecting youth to the National Digital Library and fostering a reading culture.
The redevelopment of Umiam Lake was another key project inaugurated with a funding of Rs 120.81 crore under SASCI.
The initiative aims to transform the waterbody into a world-class eco-tourism hub, expected to attract over 1.27 lakh tourists annually and create nearly 4,000 jobs.
Sitharaman also laid the foundation for the development of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and tourism infrastructure at Mawkhanu, with a total investment of Rs 103 crore.
Spread across 106 acres, t
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Regional Campus of the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) at Mawkhanu.
The Rs 100.95 crore campus, funded under the Prime Minister's Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE), will serve as a premier centre for corporate governance, economic research, and capacity-building.
This marks the first time that the IICA is establishing a presence outside Delhi.
A cheque distribution ceremony was also held, where beneficiaries of schemes such as PM MUDRA, PM SVANidhi, PMEGP, and NPS Vatsalya received financial support.
In a significant boost to Meghalaya's organic farming sector, Sitharaman also flagged off a two-metric-tonne consignment of premium organic pineapples to LULU Retail in Dubai. This consignment, under the IFAD-supported Megha-LAMP initiative, was sourced from farmers of the Jirang Organics Farmer Producer Company in Ri-Bhoi.
Speaking to reporters, Sitharaman said 92 villages in the state, located along the India-Bangladesh border, have been selected
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