Is Meghalaya Truly the Youngest State in India?

Synopsis
Meghalaya, known as India's youngest state, is taking significant strides to empower its youth. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma shares insights into government initiatives aimed at promoting creative industries and enhancing film tourism, illustrating a commitment to nurturing the next generation. Find out how these efforts are shaping the future of Meghalaya's young population.
Key Takeaways
- 50% of Meghalaya's population is under 20 years old.
- Introduction of the Draft Meghalaya Film Tourism & Creative Media Policy 2025.
- Launch of Hello Meghalaya Grants for local filmmakers.
- Government's commitment to fostering youth and creative industries.
- Meghalaya’s positioning as a central hub for film production in the Northeast.
Shillong, June 3 (NationPress) - The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma, declared on Tuesday that nearly 50% of the population in this hill state is under the age of 20 years, establishing it as the youngest state in India. He emphasized that the government is actively working to create new opportunities for the youth.
“Over the past years, the Meghalaya government has acknowledged the significance of focusing on our younger generation, as almost half of the state’s population is below 20 years of age. This makes Meghalaya one of the youngest states in the nation,” stated the Chief Minister.
To transform the creative economy in Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma introduced the Draft Meghalaya Film Tourism & Creative Media Policy 2025 and allocated Hello Meghalaya Grants to local filmmakers.
These dual events, hosted at the State Convention Centre, signify a historic moment for the artistic and filmmaking community in Meghalaya, showcasing the government’s dedication to fostering youth, storytelling, and regional film excellence.
While addressing attendees, the Chief Minister underscored the government’s long-term vision for empowering youth through creative platforms.
“Recognizing our strengths, we feel the necessity as policymakers to concentrate on what motivates the youth of our state and how we can create an ecosystem and platform for them to flourish, pursue their passions, and derive value from it. We firmly believe in the immense potential of our youth,” he remarked.
He also highlighted the vast potential of Meghalaya’s film industry and how initiatives like Hello Meghalaya are fostering youth-centric development. When unveiling the draft policy, the Chief Minister expressed, “We wish for this policy to be shaped by its intended beneficiaries. Therefore, we are presenting the draft policy today to invite your feedback, ideas, and suggestions. Our goal is to craft a robust, responsive policy that mirrors your inputs.”
This draft policy aims to promote Meghalaya as a leading film tourism destination while fortifying the local film ecosystem and nurturing emerging talent.
Additionally, it seeks to position Meghalaya as a central hub for film production in the Northeast.