Shillong, Jan 29: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, briefing him on the state’s development trajectory and seeking continued and enhanced support from the Centre to sustain economic growth under Meghalaya’s Vision 2032 roadmap.
During the meeting, Sangma thanked the Prime Minister for his wishes on the occasion of Meghalaya Statehood Day and expressed appreciation for the national and global recognition of the state’s living heritage, particularly the Living Root Bridge Cultural Landscape, which has been nominated for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Chief Minister highlighted Meghalaya’s strong economic performance, noting that the state has recorded year-on-year GSDP growth higher than the national average since FY22. He also apprised the Prime Minister of significant improvements in maternal and child health indicators, including a sharp reduction in maternal and infant mortality rates over the past few years .
Sangma outlined key development initiatives, including the strengthening of large processing units and market linkages aimed at doubling farmers’ income, progress in the development of the New Shillong city project, and the rapid expansion of tourism through private sector investment and community participation. He also briefed the Prime Minister on preparations for hosting the 39th National Games in 2027, which will see events hosted across multiple locations in Meghalaya and the wider North East
The two leaders held discussions on sustaining growth momentum in smaller northeastern states, with Sangma seeking continued central support for capital investment, enhancement of the Externally Aided Projects (EAP) ceiling, infrastructure development, and fiscal empowerment of the state. Long-term measures to strengthen Meghalaya’s economic foundations were also discussed
The Chief Minister submitted a set of documents to the Prime Minister detailing Meghalaya’s development progress, its Vision 2032 plan for sustained economic growth, and specific proposals seeking support from the Union government. The submissions, according to officials, aim to align the state’s development priorities with the national vision of Viksit Bharat.
