‘Pre-budget consultation with citizens enriched understanding of public aspirations’
Shillong, Mar 5: Chief minister Conrad Sangma on Wednesday had the unique distinction of presenting his eighth consecutive budget for Meghalaya since his first for 2018-19 financial year.
“This a three-fold increase in expenditure over the 8-year period, which is one of the highest growth rates in the country,” he said while tabling the Rs-30,003 crore budget for 2025-26, promising economic growth and infrastructure expansion. In 2017-18, the budget expenditure was Rs 9,858 crore.
He also mentioned that this year’s budget-making exercise was special as the government invited citizen participation through a formal pre-budget consultation.
“This engagement enriched my understanding of the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of the different sections of our society and strengthened the budgeting exercise,” he said.
Since 2018 (when MDA came to power under his leadership), Sangma said, the MDA government has been able to achieve a reversal of fortunes for Meghalaya and its people.
Pointing out at the “impressive” 11% economic growth over the past 7 years, he said, “The Meghalaya model of development is built on principles of strengthening traditional community institutions, investing in citizens, leveraging technology, and forging national and international partnerships.”
Rs 2,873 crore allocated for road connectivity
The budget has major focus on infrastructure, with Rs 2,873 crore allocated for road development and connectivity projects.
This includes key initiatives such as Shillong Western Bypass, expansion of Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge, and Border Economic Corridor aimed at enhancing trade with Bangladesh.
The state government is also prioritizing air connectivity with the expansion of Shillong Airport and the construction of heliports in Shillong and Tura.
Push for private Sector investment
He said the state requires private sector investment amounting to Rs 8,500 Cr to achieve the GSDP target. He said that Meghalaya Investment Promotion Authority (MIPA) is managing the investment promotion ecosystem.
Varun Beverages is setting up a Rs 300-crore plant in the Garo Hills, while Lemon Tree Hotels has been awarded a Rs 124 crore project to develop the Orchid Hotel in Shillong.
Four luxury resorts worth Rs 900 crore are being planned in Umiam, Sohra, Mawdiangdiang, and Khanapara, which will boost the state’s growing tourism sector.
MIPA is also creating new land banks and development state of the art industrial parks. The first industrial park spread over 633-acre land is being developed in Tikrikilla block in West Garo Hills.
“The private investment in the state will ensure job creation,” he added.
An investment worth Rs 2000 crore in sectors such as bamboo, hydropower and tourism are in pipeline for the next financial year, he said.
