Shillong, May 21: The North Eastern Council (NEC) invested Rs 555.63 crore in Meghalaya during the 15th Finance Commission period, i.e., from 2022 to 26, supporting projects in infrastructure, education, entrepreneurship, tribal livelihoods, tourism and road connectivity.
According to an official press release today, Rs 160.87 crore was spent under the Schemes of NEC (SoNEC), with projects focusing on community infrastructure, school buildings, markets, bridges, tourism facilities and healthcare support. Initiatives also promoted honey production, mushroom cultivation, Lakadong turmeric processing, livestock development, organic farming and integrated farming systems.
The NEC said the projects also aimed at preserving Meghalaya’s cultural heritage through cultural complexes, community halls and eco-tourism infrastructure, while strengthening women entrepreneurship, skill development, waste management and market facilities in rural and tribal areas.
Under the NESIDS-Roads programme, Meghalaya was sanctioned five road projects worth Rs 331.51 crore, of which three projects worth Rs 98.32 crore have been completed. Funds were also released for the construction of a major bridge over the Umngot River under NESIDS-Roads.
In 2025-26, the NEC sanctioned projects worth more than Rs 33.85 crore in urban infrastructure, entrepreneurship development and education. One of the major projects involves pipeline realignment and urban beautification along the approach road to Iewduh, aimed at improving sanitation, waste management, lighting and public infrastructure around the historic marketplace.
Other projects include an Integrated Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Centre for tribal youths, women entrepreneurs and farmers, and support for the construction of the RK Mission School at Sohra.
The NEC further said that under the Ashtalakshmi Youth Exchange Programme, 581 students from across India visited institutions in the North East, including 44 students who visited IIM Shillong. Meanwhile, 99 students from Meghalaya were among 786 students from the North East who visited ISRO.
The council also released funds in April 2026 for sports infrastructure projects, including an indoor stadium in Jongksha, East Khasi Hills, and a mini outdoor stadium at Gambegre in West Garo Hills.
