Meghalaya among fastest-growing states, economy more than doubled since 2018: CM on I-Day

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma declared during the Independence Day celebrations at Polo Grounds in Shillong that the state has become one of India's fastest-growing economies, with its GDP more than doubling since 2018. The announcement came as part of a broader vision emphasizing environmental protection, job creation, and improved living standards. Sangma highlighted that Meghalaya ranks third among Indian states in terms of economic growth over the past five years, attributing this progress to sustained efforts in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and education. During his speech, Sangma outlined three core pillars guiding the state's development strategy: safeguarding natural resources, empowering local populations, and preserving cultural heritage. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the region's rich ecological assets, noting that Meghalaya boasts 76% forest cover and that many communities rely directly on these resources for their livelihoods. To protect these lands, the government has implemented initiatives such as GREEN Meghalaya Plus, which has conserved over 63,000 hectares of forest and provided annual financial incentives to nearly 6,300 farmers for their role in forest preservation. In addition to environmental stewardship, Sangma highlighted advancements in agricultural productivity and market access. Under the CM FARM+ initiative, more than 25,000 farmers across all 12 districts are being trained in cultivating high-value, long-gestation crops. The state's focus on value-added farming includes specialized programs for organic produce, floriculture, and ginger. These efforts aim to increase farm incomes and reduce dependency on traditional subsistence methods. The government has also introduced measures to bridge the gap between production and markets, such as establishing a spice-processing facility in Bhoirymbong, Ri-Bhoi, capable of processing 10,000 metric tonnes of ginger annually. This facility is projected to benefit approximately 5,500 farmers spread across 112 villages. To further enhance market access, the government is setting up 40 PRIME Hubs, centers designed to connect farmers directly with buyers. These hubs are intended to streamline supply chains and improve profitability for small-scale producers. Infrastructure development has also played a key role in the state's transformation, with over 3,200 kilometers of new roads constructed in the past eight years. Improved connectivity has facilitated better access to essential services, including healthcare and education. Healthcare improvements have been equally notable. According to Sangma, maternal mortality rates have dropped by more than 56% since 2020, while infant mortality has decreased by nearly 40%. Full immunization coverage has maintained a consistent rate of 90% for three consecutive years. The Safe Motherhood Scheme has transported over 100,000 pregnant women, including more than 15,800 high-risk cases, to medical facilities, ensuring timely care and reducing preventable deaths. Educational outcomes have also shown marked improvement. Meghalaya has moved out of the lowest category in the national Performance Grading Index, increasing its score from 448 to 525 within a year. Secondary school pass rates have surged from 57% in 2018 to 97.2%, while Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) pass rates have climbed from 75% to 86.6%. The CM Skills Mission has trained more than 55,000 young individuals since 2022, equipping them with skills relevant to the modern workforce. Programs like PRIME and CM-ELEVATE have fostered entrepreneurship, generating around 10,000 direct and 25,000 indirect employment opportunities.