Nirmala Sitharaman Lays Foundation for Rs 1,400 Cr Projects in Meghalaya, Focus on Infrastructure & Inclusion

Bongaigaon Times: Meghalaya : 13th July 2025 : Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday laid the foundation stone for a host of major infrastructure and institutional projects worth over ₹1,400 crore in Meghalaya, aiming to boost the state’s tourism, sports, education, and social sectors. The ceremony was held virtually from the Lariti Auditorium in Mawkasiang, New Shillong Township.

· Redevelopment of Umiam Lake,₹99.99 crore project to turn the iconic lake into a world-class sustainable tourism destination under SASCI.

· Mawkhanu Football Stadium & Academy,₹732 crore mega project to build India’s largest dedicated football stadium (40,000 seating) and a modern football academy.

· 75 Digital Libraries in Remote Areas,Worth ₹162 crore, aimed at enhancing digital access for rural youth and promoting educational inclusion.

· Working Women’s Hostels,₹132 crore project for hostels in Shillong, Jowai, Byrnihat, and Tura to support women’s participation in the workforce.

· Twinning of Institutions: IICA & CBIC,₹100.95 crore for the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) NE campus and ₹256.23 crore for CBIC's Shillong office-cum-residence.

Speaking at the event, Finance Minister Sitharaman emphasized the Centre’s long-term commitment to institutional growth and capital investment in the Northeast through the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. Projects like Umiam Lake redevelopment, MICE infrastructure, and sports academies are expected to unlock tourism and economic growth.

She also launched the export of Meghalaya pineapples to Dubai boosting the state’s agri-trade prospects and distributed cheques under key welfare schemes like PM MUDRA Yojana, SVANidhi, and NPS Vatsalya, reinforcing the government’s rural empowerment agenda.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma credited the Centre’s support in helping the state boost its capital expenditure from ₹1,400 crore to ₹5,000 crore, and highlighted how Meghalaya is successfully leveraging both centrally sponsored and externally aided projects for inclusive development.

The Finance Minister, currently on a four-day visit, will meet with self-help groups, FPOs, and lakhpati didis in Sohra. She will also visit Ramakrishna Mission School before concluding her tour.

Sannya Sangma,
Bongaigaon Times