Will FM Sitharaman's Three-Day Visit to Meghalaya Bring Development?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Nirmala Sitharaman is set to visit Meghalaya for three days starting July 10.
- The visit includes the inauguration of the Polo Shopping Complex and the Northeast Conclave.
- Engagement with local stakeholders is a key focus of her trip.
- Several programs aim to address the unique challenges facing the northeastern states.
- Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma will participate as the Guest of Honour.
Shillong, July 9 (NationPress) - The Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to embark on a three-day visit to Meghalaya starting from July 10, during which she will participate in a variety of events, as confirmed by officials on Wednesday.
A senior official from the Meghalaya government revealed that the visit will kick off with the inauguration of the Polo Shopping Complex, followed by an interaction session under the Project Monitoring Information System (PMIS) in Shillong.
On July 11, the Finance Minister will officially launch the Northeast Conclave and lay the groundwork for the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) campus at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong.
Meghalaya's Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma will grace the event as the Guest of Honour. Additionally, Sitharaman will visit the Shillong Tech Park located in Umsawli and inaugurate an exhibition highlighting farmers and entrepreneurs at the Lariti International Centre in Shillong.
Throughout her trip, the Union Minister is expected to engage in a series of programs and meet various stakeholder groups to assess developmental initiatives and connect with beneficiaries across multiple sectors. She will also participate in discussions with industry stakeholders at the Courtyard Marriott in Shillong on July 12.
This day will also feature interactions with Women Self-Help Groups, Lakhpati Didis, and Farmer Producer Organisations at Laitkynsew Village.
FM Sitharaman will also engage with beneficiaries of the Payment for Ecosystem Services Program at Siej Village. Her visit will conclude with a public program at Sohbar Village, one of the 96 identified Vibrant Villages.
On her final day, July 13, she plans to visit the Ram Krishna Ashram School in Sohra.
Meanwhile, Sangma recently advocated for increased financial assistance to the smaller northeastern states, highlighting their unique geographical, economic, and developmental hurdles.
He raised this issue during a meeting with members of the 16th Finance Commission, led by Arvind Pangarhiya, in New Delhi on July 7.
In a post on his X handle, the Chief Minister stated: “North East States, while having their own unique and distinct issues, share common concerns and challenges. In this context, a joint memorandum from Mizoram, Tripura, Sikkim, and Meghalaya was submitted to the 16th Finance Commission, outlining the special needs and developmental priorities of the region.”