Tax devolution to state surged by 572%
Shillong, Feb 23: Central assistance and share of tax to Meghalaya have exponentially increased during BJP-led NDA government, said union minister of state for External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Margherita on Saturday.
Speaking to reporters here, the MoS said Meghalaya and the NE region as a whole has become the centre stage of a great nation under the current government.
To emphasise his point, Margherita said the Prime Minister himself has visited NE including Meghalaya for more than 65 times.
He said the grants-in-aid for Meghalaya has increased by 105 per cent at ₹40,452 crore, compared to ₹19,700 crore prior to 2014.
“Tax devolution was surged by 572%, from ₹7273 crore to ₹48,883 crore,” he said.
Stating that Meghalaya is developing in all sectors, the MoS said the state is having a strong share in terms of Central government schemes and projects.
“Under PM-DEVINE scheme, a four-lane road in New Shillong Township, Skywalk and tourist hub at Mawkdok, IT Park at Tura have been approved. 540 km of National Highway constructed in Meghalaya since April 2014, he said.
Referring to North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS), he said several projects have been approved in Meghalaya under NESIDS, including 7 roads and bridges worth ₹459 crore, 116 projects other than road infrastructure worth ₹1,737 crore, Shillong Airport expansion under UDAAN, etc.
Meghalaya has availed nearly ₹1300 crore in 2024-2025 under special assistance to states for capital investment, he said.
Underlining significance of tourism in the state, Margherita said, “Since 2014, the Modi government have sanctioned over ₹29 crore under Pilgrimination and Spirituality Augmentation Drive that is Prasad Scheme and ₹184 crore for development of North East circuit under Surya Darshan scheme and it continues.”
Highlighting the salient features of the union budget 2025-26, he said, “There are four key engines of our journey to make Meghalaya a Viksit Meghalaya to make our India Viksit Bharat. These include agriculture for rural prosperity, MSME for entrepreneurship and job creation.
Asserting the government’s commitment towards empowering the youth, he said, “Education is one of the prime focus. The Union budget has announced to establish 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs in government schools over the next five years in order to cultivate scientific temper among the students.
And out of this 50,000 Atal Tinkering labs Meghalaya will also have that proportionate numbers of Atal Tinkering Lab.
“So in every sector, every sphere where the budget is allocated, Meghalaya is going to get that benefits,” the MoS said.
He also announced that 75000 additional seats will be added to medical colleges.
Margherita said that under scheme to unlock the potentials of MSMEs, Meghalaya will get benefit.
“I am very glad to inform you that investment on turnover limits shall be enhanced 2.5 times and 2 times respectively, for start-ups credit guarantee shall be revised from ₹10 crore to ₹20 crore and new fund of funds will expand this scheme within initial contribution of 10,000 crores this major shall set the tone of boosting the competitiveness of Indian MSMEs in the global markets,” he said.
On air connectivity, the minister said, “Prior to 2014, there were only 9 airports in NE. now there are 22 airports post 2014, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh are connected via air services, so increase of 13 airports, increased in traffic movement by 113% in the last 10 years.
“So Modi government has given importance, it is priority connectivity with North East with part of rest of the country and the world,” he said
Till 2014, total national highways in NE was 10,905 km – 11,000 km. From 2014, only during this tenure, 10,900-km roads will built.
“During Modi’s 190 projects covering length of 3,856 kms at ₹80,580 crore are under construction in our NE,” he stated.
