Shillong – Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman embarked on a four-day official tour of Meghalaya yesterday, commencing her engagements in Shillong with a robust agenda centred on youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and vital urban infrastructure development. Her visit underscores the Centre’s commitment to the holistic progress of the North-eastern state.
The Finance Minister, accompanied by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, spearheaded a significant interactive session of the North East Roundtable under the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS). Here, she actively engaged with interns, industry stalwarts, and government officials from various states across the region. The PMIS, a brainchild aimed at bridging the crucial gap between academic learning and practical employment, offers structured internship avenues, especially for youngsters hailing from remote corners of the nation.
During the candid session, several interns recounted their transformative journeys, highlighting the personal and professional strides made through the scheme. Among them was Khlainkupar Lyngkhoi, a Human Resource intern from East Khasi Hills district, who shared how the programme bolstered his confidence and honed essential skills. “Time management has been one of the most important skills I have acquired. This internship has helped me handle responsibilities in the workplace, and I am thankful to the Ministry and Government for this scheme,” Lyngkhoi expressed with gratitude.
In her address, Sitharaman elaborated on the core philosophy behind the PMIS. “This scheme was envisioned to support those who have never had a job assignment or internship, enabling them to acquire vital skills and workplace exposure. I am glad to see so many of you making good use of this platform,” she stated. Emphasising the profound impact of mentorship, particularly as the day coincided with Guru Purnima, she remarked, “Mentors you meet during your internships may play an important role in shaping your future.” The Union Minister further encouraged the interns to explore entrepreneurial ventures, assuring them of sustained governmental support, and urged them to become “brand ambassadors” for the impactful scheme.
Earlier in the day, the Union Minister inaugurated the Polo Shopping Complex, a landmark development marking Shillong’s first modern commercial mall. This ambitious project, valued at Rs 100.33 crore, was meticulously executed under the Smart Cities Mission. Spanning 1.26 acres and boasting 1.70 lakh square feet of built-up area, the complex integrates eco-conscious features like rainwater harvesting and rooftop solar power, setting a new standard for urban development in the region.
Over the coming three days, Minister Sitharaman is slated to visit various ongoing development projects, engage directly with self-help groups, farmers, and industry stakeholders, and conduct comprehensive reviews of ongoing schemes across Meghalaya, reaffirming the Centre’s dedicated push for regional growth.
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