From highways and market infrastructure to organic farming, youth programmes and tribal livelihood schemes, Meghalaya received more than Rs 555 crore in funding support from the North Eastern Council (NEC) during the 2022-26 period under the 15th Finance Commission framework.
File Photo | North Eastern Council Secretariat Shillong
SHILLONG : The North Eastern Council (NEC) has invested Rs 555.63 crore in Meghalaya over the last four years to support projects linked to infrastructure, education, agriculture, tourism, entrepreneurship and rural livelihoods.
According to an official communique, the funding was released under multiple NEC schemes during the 2022-26 period as part of broader development efforts across the state.
A major share of the allocation, amounting to Rs 160.87 crore, was spent under the Schemes of NEC (SoNEC), covering construction and improvement of schools, bridges, markets, tourism facilities, healthcare infrastructure and community assets in different districts.
The NEC said several projects were aimed at strengthening local livelihoods through initiatives connected to honey production, mushroom cultivation, Lakadong turmeric processing, livestock development and integrated farming systems. Organic farming projects and schemes supporting tribal farmers and rural producers were also taken up during the period.
Apart from economic development, the Council stated that a number of projects focused on preserving Meghalaya’s cultural identity and improving local community infrastructure. These included cultural centres, eco-tourism projects, community halls and programmes linked to women entrepreneurship, skill development and rural waste management.
In the road sector, Meghalaya received sanction for five projects worth Rs 331.51 crore under the NESIDS-Roads programme. According to the NEC, three of those projects valued at Rs 98.32 crore have already been completed.
Among the major connectivity projects highlighted was the upgraded Mawshynrut-Hahim (Athiabari) road, which is expected to improve transportation and regional trade movement. The Council further stated that projects worth more than Rs 33.85 crore were approved during 2025-26 alone in sectors such as urban infrastructure, entrepreneurship and education.
One of the key projects includes pipeline realignment and beautification work along the approach road leading to Shillong’s Iewduh market area. The initiative aims to improve sanitation, lighting, waste management and civic infrastructure around the commercial hub.
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Other projects approved recently include an Integrated Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Centre designed to support tribal youth, women entrepreneurs and farmers. Financial support was also sanctioned for the construction of the Ramakrishna Mission School at Sohra under the Focused Development of Deprived Areas programme.
The NEC additionally highlighted educational exchange programmes carried out during the year. Under the Ashtalakshmi Youth Exchange Programme, 581 students from across the country visited institutions in the Northeast, including 44 students who toured IIM Shillong.
In another initiative under the NE-SPARKS programme, 99 students from Meghalaya were among 786 students from the Northeast who visited ISRO during 2025-26.
The Council also released funds earlier this year for sports infrastructure projects in Meghalaya, including an indoor stadium at Madan Tukhon in Jongsha and a mini outdoor stadium at Gambegre in West Garo Hills.
Financial assistance was additionally approved for the construction of a major bridge over the Umngot river under the NESIDS (Roads) scheme.