Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has said that a slew of interventions to be taken up by the government will be announced on Independence Day, which he assured that these, “will shape the state’s economic landscape for years to come.”
Speaking at the inauguration of the Prime Hub and Pineapple Processing unit at Umdihar in Ribhoi district today he said the bigger goal is to take Meghalaya on an upward trajectory towards realizing its ambitious $10 billion economy.
“The Prime Hub will provide a platform and resources, including training, financial support, and marketing guidance, to amplify the impact of these initiatives,” Sangma said at the inauguration.
“The Prime Hub is not just about promoting businesses, but about empowering diverse groups across different levels to achieve more than they have in the past. Entrepreneurship, in its true essence, transcends the boundaries of scale, starting even from the smallest individual ventures like neighborhood shops,” he added.
Speaking of Umdihar’s strategic location, Sangma said, “Umdihar’s proximity to markets, connectivity through the nearby railway station and being gateway to the rest of the country from the State would act as an economic powerhouse waiting to be unlocked.”
He also informed that in addition to specialised training, the government envisioned a logistics hub to address the storage challenges faced by local enterprises. “This will facilitate streamlined distribution and further enhance economic growth in the region,” he said.
He underlined the pivotal role of integrated village cooperative societies (IVCS) in cultivating entrepreneurship and supporting local enterprises. “IVCS plays a vital role in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset within our communities.
Highlighting the Chief Minister’s E-Championship Challenge programme, Sangma said that the business plan competition has emerged as a platform, fostering innovation and creativity among thousands of entrepreneurs.
The top 100 participants not only receive substantial cash awards but also gain access to substantial loans, enabling them to bring their business concepts to fruition.
He further elaborated on the collaboration with institutions like IIM Kolkata, stating, “Our partnership with institutions like IIM Kolkata ensures that entrepreneurs are equipped with essential skills, from crafting comprehensive business strategies to navigating the complexities of accessing financial support.”
