The North Eastern Council (NEC) has continued to expand its developmental engagement in Meghalaya through strategic investments in education, urban infrastructure, entrepreneurship, tribal livelihoods, connectivity, and sports infrastructure during the 15th FC period, reaffirming its commitment towards inclusive and sustainable growth in the state. The state has received the cumulative expenditure reaching Rs.555.63 crore under the Schemes of NEC (SoNEC) and NESIDS Roads programmes during the 15th FC period.
Expenditure during 15th FC in Meghalaya under Schemes of NEC (SoNEC)
Under SoNEC, Meghalaya recorded significant developmental progress during the 15th FC cycle, with an expenditure of Rs.160.87 crore with interventions in development of community infrastructure, school buildings, markets, bridges, tourism facilities, healthcare support, and entrepreneurship development initiatives. Special emphasis was laid on agriculture and allied sectors through promotion of honey production, mushroom cultivation, Lakadong turmeric processing, livestock development, organic farming, and integrated farming systems. NEC funded projects also supported preservation and promotion of Meghalaya’s cultural heritage through development of cultural complexes, community halls, and tourism infrastructure, while enhancing eco-tourism and local economic opportunities across the state. In addition, SoNEC interventions strengthened skill development, women entrepreneurship, market infrastructure, waste management, and educational facilities, particularly in rural, tribal, and backward areas.
Overall, the SoNEC expenditure during the 15th Finance Commission period has played an important role in promoting balanced and inclusive development in Meghalaya, especially in remote, tribal, and underserved regions of the state.
Achievements under NESIDS (Roads) during 15th FC cycle
(Completed work: Mawshynrut to Hahim (Athiabari) Road in Meghalaya)
Under the NESIDS-Roads programme, Meghalaya has been sanctioned five road projects worth Rs.331.51 crore, out of which three projects valued at Rs.98.32 crore have already been completed during the 15th Finance Commission period. Among the completed projects is the upgradation of the Mawshynrut to Hahim (Athiabari) Road, significantly improving regional mobility and opening important trade and connectivity corridors in the state.
Financial Year 2025-26: A highlight
During the year 2025-26, NEC sanctioned three major projects in Meghalaya valued at over Rs.33.85 crore, covering critical sectors such as urban infrastructure, entrepreneurship development, and education. One of the flagship initiatives includes the re-alignment of pipelines and urban beautification along the main approach road to Iewduh Market in Shillong, a comprehensive infrastructure project aimed at improving utility management, sanitation, waste management, lighting, and overall urban aesthetics around one of Asia’s largest indigenous markets and a major cultural and commercial hub of Meghalaya. NEC also sanctioned an Integrated Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Centre for tribal youths, women entrepreneurs, and farmers to strengthen skill development, entrepreneurship, and market linkages, promoting inclusive economic empowerment across communities. In the education sector, NEC supported the construction of the RK Mission School at Sohra under the Focused Development of Deprived Areas programme, strengthening educational infrastructure in one of Meghalaya’s historically significant regions.
Ashtalakshmi Youth Exchange Programme and NE-SPARKS in 2025-26
The Council also expanded its youth development and scientific outreach initiatives through flagship programmes such as the Ashtalakshmi Youth Exchange Programme, under which 581 students from universities and colleges across the country visited premier institutions of the North Eastern Region, including IIM-Shillong which was visited by 44 students from Delhi and Odisha.
Another major initiative, NE-SPARKS (North East Students’ Programme for Awareness, Reach and Knowledge on Space), enabled 786 school students from all eight Northeastern States (including 99 students from Meghalaya) to visit the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) during 2025-26, fostering scientific awareness and encouraging young minds towards innovation and space science.
Fund Released during the month of April, 2026 in Meghalaya (FY: 2026-27)
Further reinforcing its commitment towards community and youth development, NEC continues to release fund during April, 2026 for sports infrastructure projects in Meghalaya, namely, Construction of an indoor stadium at Madan Tukhon, Jongsha, and a mini outdoor stadium at Gambegre in West Garo Hills district. These projects are expected to strengthen grassroots sports infrastructure, promote healthy lifestyles, and nurture sporting talent among the youth of the state.
Fund Released under NESIDS (Roads) during the month of April, 2026 in Meghalaya
Under NESIDS (Roads), NEC has also released fund during April, 2026 for an ongoing project- Construction of Major bridge including approaches over river Umngot in the state of Meghalaya to ensure smooth implementation.