Northeast Desk, 25th May: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, on May 25, announced that the state is poised to attract substantial private investments totaling Rs 8000 crore. He emphasized that this high level of investment will significantly contribute towards achieving the state’s ambitious goal of becoming a 10 billion USD economy.
Addressing a workshop on the “Human Development Leadership Programme” at Tura, Sangma stated, “The investment in Meghalaya is an outcome of the new industrial policy that has created an ecosystem for ease of doing business.”
The programme was attended by Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Block Development Officers (BDOs), and other district and block level officers from the five districts of Garo Hills district.
Discussing previous policies that discouraged investors, Sangma explained, “The system was tedious and time-consuming. Our new industrial policy has provided a framework to give clearance to different statutory requirements within a specified time frame, which is facilitating investors.”
He revealed that close to Rs 4000 crore investment has already been secured in the last year. This includes a Rs 2500 crore thermal power plant capable of generating 450 megawatts of electricity, an ethanol plant, a beverages plant, and several five-star hotels.
On boosting IT connectivity, Sangma informed that the government is engaging with Malaysian and Bangladeshi telecom companies to lay submarine cable lines. “The optical fibre connection will further boost the IT-enabled service sector,” he said.
Sangma also highlighted upcoming five-star hotel projects in Shillong, Sohra, and Umiam, along with a three-star hotel in Tura, all through private investment. He noted that these hotels will promote a business-friendly environment and provide job opportunities for the youth.
“Hotels, air connectivity, and high-speed internet will encourage more IT companies to set up their enterprises in the state. The Shillong IT Park has provided jobs to more than 3000 youths directly and indirectly, and many more companies have expressed their desire to set up BPOs in the state,” he added, also mentioning the second phase of the Shillong IT Park, which will create space for a 3000-seater facility, already confirmed by IT companies from the US and Europe.
Sangma stressed that companies are shifting their focus from cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad to Meghalaya, recognizing the state’s human resources and capacity. “Our people have good command over languages and work ethics, which is an added advantage,” he stated.
He further explained that the government is focused on ensuring economic growth through high investment in infrastructure projects. “In the last five years, the government has charted out a roadmap, making investments in various social sectors with a particular focus on education, health, power, and rural development,” he said.
Addressing maternal health, Sangma mentioned concerns about the maternal mortality rate (MMR) in Meghalaya, which was 223 compared to the national average of 113 in 2018. “Our approach to addressing the issue has ensured the overall well-being of mothers and children, leading to a decline in MMR,” he noted.
Sangma concluded by urging officials to work with purpose and a clear vision to improve the lives of the people while discharging their duties.
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