Meghalaya Emerges as Indias Third Fastest Growing State, Says Chief Minister Conrad Sangma

Shillong, August 16: Meghalaya’s Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma highlighted his government’s development priorities during the Independence Day celebrations on Saturday. He announced that the state’s economy has more than doubled since 2018, making it the third fastest-growing state in India over the past five years.

Addressing the gathering at Polo Grounds in Shillong, the Chief Minister emphasized that the state government’s development model is based on three principles: protecting the state’s land and natural resources, empowering the people, and preserving Meghalaya’s unique cultural identity.

Since taking office in 2018, Sangma noted significant progress in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education, tourism, and sports over the past eight years.

Acknowledging the central government‘s support for the state’s development, he stated, “Today, our economy has more than doubled since 2018, making Meghalaya the third fastest-growing state in India in the last five years.”

On environmental conservation, Sangma mentioned that 76% of Meghalaya’s forest area remains intact, with community-led conservation efforts promoted through the Green Meghalaya Plus program.

He revealed that over 60,000 water sources have been mapped, and more than 500 large rainwater harvesting structures have been established to enhance water security.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the state’s move towards sustainable mining practices through scientific methods, along with a framework to support small miners.

Sangma further stated that the state government is focusing on high-value agriculture through initiatives like CM Farm Plus, Organic Mission, Flower Agriculture Mission, and Ginger Mission.

He mentioned that over 25,000 farmers across all 12 districts are being supported for high-value, long-duration crops.

Discussing improvements in healthcare, he claimed a 56% reduction in maternal mortality and nearly 40% in infant mortality rates since 2020.

Under the Safe Motherhood Scheme, more than 100,000 pregnant women have accessed healthcare services, including over 15,800 high-risk mothers.

The Chief Minister added that Meghalaya’s performance in education has improved, with the grading index score rising from 448 to 525 in just one year, lifting the state from the lowest tier.

Sangma concluded by stating that tourism has become a major source of livelihood, with annual tourist arrivals increasing from approximately 1 million in 2018 to nearly 1.8 million today.