Meghalaya CM Targets USD 16 Billion Economy by 2032

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, addressing the 79th Independence Day celebrations at Polo Grounds in Shillong, outlined an ambitious vision to transform Meghalaya into a USD 16 billion economy by 2032, coinciding with the state’s 60th anniversary. He further set a long-term goal of achieving a USD 100 billion economy by 2047, aligning with India’s centenary of independence, aiming to rank among the top 10 states in per capita income and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“We aspire for a ‘Viksit Meghalaya’ by 2047, a beacon of inclusive growth,” Sangma declared, drawing inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision. Sangma highlighted significant progress in law and order, including advancements in the Assam-Meghalaya border settlement, with 6 of 12 disputed areas resolved in 2022, and the adoption of e-Sakshya, e-FIR, and expanded forensic capabilities.

Infrastructure development has been a cornerstone, with 5.39 lakh rural households—82.84% of village homes—gaining tap water connections since 2019, up from just 4,500. Connectivity has improved with 3,500 km of roads and 126 bridges sanctioned since 2018, increasing road density from 43 km to 63 km per 1,000 sq km. A ₹22,864 crore high-speed corridor from Mawlyngkhung to Silchar, 86% of which lies in Meghalaya, has been approved, alongside plans for Shillong Airport expansion, Baljek Airport operationalization in Tura, and a new regional transport scheme.

Tourism, a key economic driver, saw 16 lakh arrivals in 2024, bolstered by ₹200 crore projects like Umiam Lake redevelopment and a Shillong Peak ropeway. Homestay subsidies have risen to 80%, with 600 units sanctioned and 2,000 more planned. Healthcare advancements include a 51% drop in maternal deaths and a 37% reduction in infant mortality over five years, with Shillong Medical College set to commence academic sessions in 2025. New dialysis centres and upgraded health facilities further strengthen the sector.

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Agriculture exports have surged, with black pepper shipped to Mumbai and premium pineapples to Dubai. The MGNREGS generated 321 lakh person-days in 2024-25, and 99.71% of 1.86 lakh PMAY-G houses have been sanctioned. The state is preparing for the 39th National Games in 2027, with a ₹732 crore, 40,000-seat football stadium in Mawkhanu under construction. The PRIME and CM-ELEVATE schemes have empowered over 8,300 entrepreneurs, while Ryndia fabric earned GI recognition, boosting cultural pride.

Environmental initiatives include the Green Meghalaya PES scheme, conserving 51,000 hectares, with plans to cover 1 lakh more by 2030, and ₹344 crore in catchment protection projects. Urban renewal projects target Ward’s Lake, Iewduh Market, and Polo Grounds, while the Shillong Technology Park Phase-II and Tura Tech Park are projected to create 24,000 jobs. The state’s GDP has nearly doubled from ₹30,000 crore in 2018 to ₹59,626 crore in 2025, with a projected 11.5% growth to ₹80,000 crore by 2027-28, positioning Meghalaya for a USD 10 billion economy by then.

Despite challenges like a 2024 flood claiming 17 lives and a ₹2,300 crore road project scam, Sangma’s vision, backed by the National People’s Party’s strengthened majority after three Congress MLAs joined in August 2024, emphasizes inclusive growth. He urged citizens to unite for a stronger Meghalaya, stating, “Together, we can place our state among India’s top 10 by 2032.”

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