Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has urged the Centre to increase the state’s allocation under Externally Aided Projects (EAP) to ₹10,000 crore. Sangma also sought financial and infrastructure support for the 2027 National Games, which Meghalaya will host. He raised the demands during meetings with Union ministers Jyotiraditya Scindia and J P Nadda in New Delhi.
The chief minister also renewed Meghalaya’s demand to grant NEIGRIHMS in Shillong the status of an Institute of National Importance. He further called for more employment opportunities for local youth at the premier medical institute.
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Key Facts
- State: Meghalaya
- Chief Minister: Conrad K Sangma
- EAP allocation sought: ₹10,000 crore initially
- Long-term EAP demand: ₹15,000 crore
- National Games: Meghalaya to host in 2027
- NEIGRIHMS: Institute of National Importance status sought
- Central ministers met: Jyotiraditya Scindia and J P Nadda
Meghalaya Seeks Higher EAP Allocation
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has asked the Centre to increase Meghalaya’s allocation under Externally Aided Projects to ₹10,000 crore.
Sangma said the allocation has remained at ₹5,000 crore since the previous Finance Commission. Meghalaya has sought a long-term increase to ₹15,000 crore, while it wants the Centre to first double the existing allocation to ₹10,000 crore.
The chief minister raised the matter during his recent visit to New Delhi. He met DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Union Health Minister J P Nadda.
State Highlights EAP Performance
Sangma said Meghalaya has maintained a strong record in implementing EAP projects. He also pointed out that the Centre services 90 per cent of the loans under the scheme.
The chief minister said the state wants greater support from the Finance Ministry to expand externally aided projects across the Northeast.
Scindia assured Sangma that the request would receive consideration. The Meghalaya government plans to submit detailed proposals after the ongoing Assembly session.
Support Sought for 2027 National Games
Meghalaya will host the National Games in 2027. Sangma has therefore sought financial assistance and infrastructure support from the DoNER Ministry.
The chief minister said the event will involve athletes from across the Northeast. According to him, every Northeastern state will participate in at least one sporting event.
The state wants stronger central support to develop the infrastructure required to successfully host the major sporting event.
Meghalaya Renews NEIGRIHMS Demand
During his meeting with Health Minister J P Nadda, Sangma renewed Meghalaya’s demand to grant the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) in Shillong the status of an Institute of National Importance.
Sangma said Nadda acknowledged the demand and indicated that the proposal deserves consideration. The chief minister expressed confidence that the process would move forward.
Focus on Jobs for Local Youth
Sangma also raised concerns about recruitment at NEIGRIHMS. He called for greater employment opportunities for young people from Meghalaya.
According to the chief minister, Nadda was aware of the issue and indicated that the Centre would explore ways to expand employment opportunities for local youth.
The state sees the medical institute as an important source of healthcare services, education and employment in the region.
Questions and Answers
What has Meghalaya requested from the Centre?
The state has sought a higher EAP allocation of ₹10,000 crore, along with support for the 2027 National Games.
What is Meghalaya’s long-term EAP demand?
The state has sought to increase the allocation to ₹15,000 crore.
When will Meghalaya host the National Games?
Meghalaya is scheduled to host the National Games in 2027.
What is Meghalaya’s demand regarding NEIGRIHMS?
The state wants NEIGRIHMS in Shillong to receive Institute of National Importance status.
What other issue did Sangma raise?
He sought greater employment opportunities for local youth at NEIGRIHMS.
Location Context
Meghalaya is a key state in Northeast India, and stronger investment in infrastructure, sports and healthcare could benefit the state as well as neighbouring Northeastern states.
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