SHILLONG, MAY 21: The North Eastern Council (NEC) has significantly expanded its developmental footprint in Meghalaya during the 15th Finance Commission (FC) period, with cumulative expenditure reaching ₹555.63 crore under the Schemes of NEC (SoNEC) and NESIDS Roads programmes.

The investments span education, urban infrastructure, entrepreneurship, tribal livelihoods, connectivity, and sports infrastructure, reaffirming its commitment towards inclusive and sustainable growth in the state, according to an NEC statement.

Of the total outlay, Meghalaya recorded an expenditure of ₹160.87 crore under SoNEC alone during the 15th FC cycle.

The interventions covered “development of community infrastructure, school buildings, markets, bridges, tourism facilities, healthcare support, and entrepreneurship development initiatives.” A key thrust was on agriculture and allied sectors.

“Special emphasis was laid on agriculture and allied sectors through promotion of honey production, mushroom cultivation, Lakadong turmeric processing, livestock development, organic farming, and integrated farming systems,” the statement noted.

The NEC-funded projects also supported cultural and tourism initiatives. The projects “supported preservation and promotion of Meghalaya’s cultural heritage through development of cultural complexes, community halls, and tourism infrastructure, while enhancing eco-tourism and local economic opportunities across the state.”

Beyond infrastructure, SoNEC interventions “strengthened skill development, women entrepreneurship, market infrastructure, waste management, and educational facilities, particularly in rural, tribal, and backward areas.”

Officials highlighted that the expenditure has been instrumental in bridging gaps in underserved regions.

“Overall, the SoNEC expenditure during the 15th Finance Commission period has played an important role in promoting balanced and inclusive development in Meghalaya, especially in remote, tribal, and underserved regions of the state,” the statement said.

Under the NESIDS-Roads programme, Meghalaya has been sanctioned five road projects

worth ₹331.51 crore, out of which three projects valued at ₹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.