Northeast Desk, 1st October: In a recent meeting with the 16th Finance Commission, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma submitted a proposal for projects worth Rs 1.2 lakh crore, aiming to significantly boost the state’s development across key sectors. The commission, led by Dr. Arvind Panagariya, will review the proposals and provide its recommendations by October 31, 2025, covering a five-year period starting from April 1, 2026.
Chief Minister Sangma presented an extensive and detailed plan focused on improving infrastructure, tourism, demography, and geographical considerations, impressing the commission members. “The chief minister’s passion for the state’s development was evident in the presentation. It was an in-depth proposal covering several key areas,” said Dr. Panagariya.
One notable suggestion from Meghalaya was to increase the weightage given to forest and ecology in the financial devolution formula. While the 15th Finance Commission assigned a 10% weight, Sangma proposed raising it to 15%, given Meghalaya’s large forest cover. Additionally, the state advocated for the inclusion of a new criterion called the rural dispersion of population, suggesting a weight of 2.5 to 5%.
The meeting also highlighted the state’s successful efforts to reduce the maternal mortality rate through a comprehensive tracking program, which monitors every pregnant woman throughout her pregnancy. Another focal point was an early childhood development program that promotes sports training from a young age.
However, the commission noted concerns about the state’s high debt-to-GDP ratio and fiscal deficit, urging careful financial management.
Sangma’s ambitious Mission 10 initiative, which targets increasing Meghalaya’s *GDP to USD 10 billion by 2028, was also discussed. This initiative aims to raise the state’s per capita income to approximately USD 3,000.
In addition to the state’s proposal, the three autonomous district councils — Khasi Hills, Garo Hills, and Jaintia Hills — collectively sought over Rs 8,000 crore in grants during separate presentations.
The Finance Commission’s recommendations will be crucial in shaping the state’s future development trajectory.
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