Shillong: Union Budget 2026-27 has extended enhanced fiscal support to Meghalaya through higher tax devolution and increased allocations under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), enabling the state to accelerate capital expenditure and infrastructure creation.
According to the Budget estimates, Meghalaya has been allocated Rs 9,631 crore under tax devolution, providing greater untied resources to pursue its developmental priorities. Between 2014 and 2024, the Centre released Rs 69,339 crore as tax devolution and Rs 40,452 crore as grants-in-aid, reflecting a sustained expansion in fiscal support.
Capital investment has also been strengthened under SASCI, which provides 50-year interest-free loans to states. Meghalaya received Rs 6,523 crore between 2020-21 and 2025-26 (till Jan), with annual releases steadily rising.
Budgetary support has translated into visible infrastructure growth. In the roads sector, over 1,156 km of National Highways have been constructed in Meghalaya as of June 30, 2025. Under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, 170 km of National Highway corridors have been approved at a tentative cost of Rs 2,703 crore.
Tourism development has also gained momentum. Two projects under Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0 have been sanctioned: the Meghalayan Age Cave Experience at Sohra (Rs 32 crore) and the Waterfall Trails Experience at Sohra (Rs 28 crore). The Polo Shopping Complex in Shillong was inaugurated in July 2025.
Under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme, 14 projects worth over Rs 569 crore have been allotted to Meghalaya. Since inception, seven road and bridge projects worth Rs 459 crore and 116 other infrastructure projects worth over Rs 1,737 crore have been approved.
Union Budget support has further enabled wide coverage of welfare schemes. As of January 2026, Meghalaya recorded 8.98 lakh PM Jan Dhan accounts, 6.28 lakh enrollments under PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, 10.9 lakh under PM Suraksha Bima Yojana, and loans worth Rs 3,330 crore under PM Mudra Yojana. The state also has 92,500 Atal Pension Yojana subscribers, 5,830 PM SVANidhi applications disbursed, 94,000 Kisan Credit Cards issued, and 5.42 lakh rural households connected to tap water under Jal Jeevan Mission.
He is based in Meghalaya and reports on local issues including se...
Read MoreHe is based in Meghalaya and reports on local issues including security, politics, and social developments, providing detailed coverage of events in the Northeast region, especially Meghalaya. His work reflects ground-level realities and concerns of the state's diverse communities.
Read Less
Start a Conversation
Post comment