‘Budget witnessed 3-fold increase… five lakh jobs to be created’
Shillong, Mar 10: Chief minister Conrad K Sangma has asserted that the state is on the right track to become a USD 10 billion (₹85,787 crore) economy by 2028-29 financial year.
Meghalaya is on track to achieve ₹85,787 crore (USD 10 billion) Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) by FY28, he said.
Elaborating on the path to reach the target – creating employment opportunities generated through government schemes, infrastructure expansion, and private sector investments – he said, “We are not just investing in projects; we are investing in people — creating over five lakh jobs by 2028.”
He mentioned that Meghalaya witnessed a three-fold increase in the state budget from ₹9,858 crore in 2017-18 to ₹27,072 crore in 2024-25, with a strong focus on capital expenditure.
“The growth in our budget reflects our commitment to making Meghalaya a developed state with a robust economy,” he asserted.
The state’s too more than doubled from ₹1,817 crore in 2017-18 to ₹4,041 crore in 2024-25, which the chief minister attributed to efficient tax collection and new revenue-generating initiatives.
Highlighting the record ₹4,000 crore sanctioned for roads in the past seven years, he said it’s a stark contrast to ₹659 crore allocated for roads over the previous three decades.
“Infrastructure development is our priority, and we are ensuring that no part of Meghalaya is left behind,” Sangma said.
In education and healthcare too, significant investments have been made during this period.
The government is upgrading 2,611 schools under Mission Education and expansion carried out in administrative and health infrastructure projects.
Upcoming New Shillong City is another major focus area, designed to support urban expansion, decongest Shillong, and facilitate economic activities.
He also outlined several government initiatives aimed at job creation and entrepreneurship support, with a multi-sectoral approach spanning tourism, self-help groups (SHGs), and skill development.
With ₹2,896 crore earmarked for tourism, the sector is set to create 60,817 new jobs, boosting both direct and indirect employment. At the grassroots level, the number of SHGs has surged from 5,894 in 2018 to 51,674 in 2025, positively impacting over 4 lakh people through financial inclusion and entrepreneurship support.
Complementing these efforts, the CM Skills Mission (2025-28) is set to train one lakh youth, equipping them with skills tailored for local, national, and global job markets, ensuring Meghalaya’s workforce remains competitive and future-ready.
Sangma further noted the growth of the IT sector, particularly the Shillong Tech Park Phases I & II and Tura Tech Park, which are projected to create 22,000 jobs. “We are laying the foundation for a strong digital economy in Meghalaya,” he said.
Significant improvements were also highlighted in the power sector, where the state has reduced Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses from 32% to 17% while ensuring an average daily power supply of 22.61 hours.
In response to concerns over water scarcity, the CM pointed out the 57-fold increase in Jal Jeevan Mission funding, which has led to an expansion in tap water connections from just 4,550 households in 2019 to 5.33 lakh in 2024.
The CM detailed how the government is promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development through the CM FARM+ program, which targets the expansion of 22,916 hectares of farmland and is expected to create 71,436 jobs. Crops such as Lakadong turmeric, large cardamom, black pepper, and coffee are being promoted to boost farmers’ incomes.
Additionally, processing units and value addition initiatives in agriculture are projected to generate 75,936 jobs by 2028, significantly increasing rural employment.
While the ruling coalition lauded the budget’s ambitious vision, opposition members raised concerns about implementation challenges, particularly in the education and healthcare sectors. Some MLAs questioned whether the 2,611 school upgrades would be completed on schedule and sought clarifications on teacher recruitment.
In response, the CM reassured the House that the government is committed to timely execution of the projects. “Education remains one of our top priorities, and we will ensure that our schools are equipped to provide quality learning environments,” he said.
The Opposition MLAs also pointed out gaps in rural healthcare delivery despite increased National Health Mission funding. Sangma acknowledged the challenges but emphasized that the 50% reduction in maternal deaths and 32% reduction in infant deaths between 2020-24 was evidence of progress.
Concluding his reply, the CM reiterated his government’s Mission 2032, a long-term development strategy focused on infrastructure, employment, and economic diversification.
“By 2028, Meghalaya will be a ₹85,787 crore economy, with thriving industries, world-class infrastructure, and empowered citizens,” he underscored.
