Shillong: The Meghalaya government has welcomed the Union Budget 2026–27, stating that it aligns with the state’s development priorities and long-term growth plans.
The budget, presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, focuses on fiscal discipline, higher public investment, and balanced regional development.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the budget provides a clear roadmap for sustained economic growth and reiterated the Centre’s commitment to inclusive development.
He noted that the continued focus on the eastern region would help strengthen infrastructure and economic activity in Meghalaya.
The Union Budget has raised public capital expenditure to Rs 12.2 lakh crore and allocated Rs 1.85 lakh crore under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).
The Meghalaya government said this increased spending is expected to boost infrastructure development, improve physical and digital connectivity, and address higher service delivery costs due to the state’s hilly terrain and scattered settlements.
Several sector-specific measures announced in the budget are expected to benefit Meghalaya, including support for entrepreneurship, tourism, education, skill development, healthcare, agriculture, and rural livelihoods.
Initiatives for MSMEs and women-led enterprises are expected to strengthen local businesses, while tourism-related interventions may support nature-based and community-led tourism. Increased investment in education and skilling is also expected to improve employment opportunities for youth.
For the financial year 2026–27, Meghalaya has been allocated Finance Commission grants of Rs 190 crore for rural local bodies, Rs 49 crore for urban local bodies, Rs 63 crore under the State Disaster Response Fund, and Rs 16.20 crore under the State Disaster Mitigation Fund.
These funds are expected to support local governance, urban services, and disaster preparedness in the state.