Shillong, May 21: The North Eastern Council (NEC) has channelised over Rs 555 crore into Meghalaya under various schemes, making it a key focus state during the 15th Finance Commission period (2021-26).
Investments by the Council in the state covered sectors ranging from education and urban infrastructure to entrepreneurship, tribal livelihoods, connectivity, and sports facilities.
The funding reflects NEC’s broader goal of driving “inclusive and sustainable growth in the state”, according to an official statement.
Of the total funds, Rs 160.87 crore was spent under Schemes of NEC (SoNEC), financing a wide portfolio of projects across the state.
Those projects included “community infrastructure, school buildings, markets, bridges, tourism facilities, healthcare support, and entrepreneurship development initiatives,” the Council said.
Agriculture and allied activities received “special emphasis,” with support directed toward “promotion of honey production, mushroom cultivation, Lakadong turmeric processing, livestock development, organic farming, and integrated farming systems”, it added.
The Council also highlighted its role in cultural preservation. NEC-funded works “supported preservation and promotion of Meghalaya’s cultural heritage through development of cultural complexes, community halls, and tourism infrastructure,” while also “enhancing eco-tourism and local economic opportunities across the state.”
In addition to physical infrastructure, the SoNEC outlay targeted human capital and rural economies. The interventions “strengthened skill development, women entrepreneurship, market infrastructure, waste management, and educational facilities, particularly in rural, tribal, and backward areas.”
Under the NESIDS-Roads programme, Meghalaya has been sanctioned five road projects worth Rs 331.51 crore, out of which three projects valued at Rs 98.32 crore have already been completed during the 15th Finance Commission period.
Among the completed projects is the upgradation of the Mawshynrut to Hahim (Athiabari) Road, significantly improving regional mobility and opening important trade and connectivity corridors in the state.
Iewduh market road among key projects in 2025-26
Three major projects worth over Rs 33.85 crore were sanctioned by the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Meghalaya during 2025-26, covering urban infrastructure, entrepreneurship development, and education.
The projects include re-alignment of pipelines and urban beautification along the main approach road to Iewduh Market in Shillong, according to an NEC statement.
The Council also sanctioned an Integrated Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Centre targeting “tribal youths, women entrepreneurs, and farmers.”
In the education sector, NEC has supported the construction of the RK Mission School at Sohra under the Focused Development of Deprived Areas programme.
