Meghalaya Governor Phagu Chauhan shared an ambitious vision for the State’s economic growth during the first day of the Assembly’s Budget Session. Goals are to transform Meghalaya into a $10 billion economy by 2028, effectively doubling its GDP.
Chauhan outlined key sectors that will spearhead this growth, including infrastructure, power, water supply, investment promotion, IT, tourism, and agriculture.
One of the focal points is to elevate farmers’ income by leveraging Meghalaya’s unique agro-climate conditions. This involves strengthening value chains and promoting high-value crops such as turmeric, ginger, oranges, pineapple, herbs, spices, and honey.
Through targeted missions, farmers are provided with essential support like planting materials, capacity building, value addition infrastructure, and market linkages. These efforts have already benefited around 13 lakh farmers, boosting their income.
The government is investing significantly in animal husbandry to bolster rural livelihoods and increase milk and meat production. Initiatives like the CM ELEVATE program, which offers a 50 per cent subsidy on unit costs for piggery, goatery, and poultry, are already underway. The Piggery Mission, for instance, has seen the formation of 367 cooperative societies operating over 6,000 breeding and fattening units. Additionally, over 1,000 dairy farmers have availed interest-free loans through the Meghalaya Milk Mission.
In fisheries, advanced techniques like Recirculatory Aquaculture System and Integrated Cage Culture are being introduced to boost production and bridge the demand-supply gap. Modernising fishery-related infrastructure and expertise is a priority, with support from institutions and organisations like NABARD.
In the health sector, Meghalaya has made significant strides, with notable reductions in maternal death rates and infant mortality. Public health infrastructure is being powered by solar energy, ensuring sustainable and accessible healthcare services. Moreover, the Medical Recruitment Board has made significant progress in filling vacant medical positions, while community participation is being strengthened through Village Health Councils.
The government is committed to enhancing education infrastructure at all levels, with numerous schools being upgraded and new institutions being established. Efforts in higher education include the inauguration of the Shillong Government College of Engineering and ongoing projects like the College of Architecture and Urban Planning in Tura.
To address unemployment, the Skills Meghalaya Program aims to train 1.5 lakh youths in employable skills over the next five years. Additionally, initiatives like providing start-up tools to youth contribute to employment generation and economic growth.
Infrastructure development is a key focus, with significant progress in providing tap water connections, achieving ODF status, and enhancing air transport infrastructure. Plans for the New Shillong Township include the development of administrative and knowledge cities, along with comprehensive connectivity plans and urban development initiatives.
Overall, Meghalaya is poised for significant economic growth and development across various sectors, driven by strategic initiatives and targeted investments.
