NEC Funds Northeast Development with Rs 76.78 Crore in December, Rs 13.45 Crore Granted to Meghalaya
Shillong, Jan 10: The North Eastern Council (NEC) disbursed Rs 76.78 crore to Northeastern states and regional agencies in December 2025 to support projects across infrastructure, livelihoods, culture, research, and innovation, according to an official statement.
Meghalaya received Rs13.45 crore for multiple development initiatives, including tourism infrastructure at Laitlyngkot (Lamlyer) in East Khasi Hills, the Seng Khasi Ri Raid Laban Cultural Complex at Lum Shat Sngi, Kenches Trace in Shillong, and the construction of an RCC G+4 commercial building at Iewdak Laban Municipal Market. The market facility is intended to promote agricultural, horticultural, handicraft, piggery, and floriculture products.
Funds were also allocated for the construction of school buildings at RKM School in Laidiengsai, Mawrah, Laitryngew, Wahlong, Pynursla, Pomsohmen, and Nongkynrih. Additional works included pipeline realignment, installation of utility ducts, development of public toilets at five locations, waste management systems, street lighting, painting, beautification, and replacement of supply lines along the approach road to Iewduh market.
Under the NESIDS (Roads) scheme, the NEC approved Rs 3 crore for road development projects in Meghalaya, including improvements to the Shillong–Umroi Airport road, enhancing connectivity for nearly 10 villages and benefiting around 7,300 residents.
The council also released ₹26.47 crore to regional agencies for livelihood and economic development projects, covering initiatives such as kiwi orchards, banana tissue culture, GI registration for 166 crops, pig breeding units, medicinal plant-based livelihoods, high-tech nurseries, smoked meat processing units, and integrated agriculture ventures in fisheries and piggery. Educational support was extended to 91 boarders and 622 day scholars, while research projects included 5G applications for societal challenges and a socio-ecological study of Sone Beel.
Non-project activities supported during the period included youth cultural exchange programmes, regional festivals, handloom exhibitions, women empowerment initiatives, sports events, AI-based digital transformation training, and studies on governance, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. These programmes were implemented through institutions such as NERCRMS, NEDFi, NEHHDC, NERAMAC, USTM, Assam University, Mizoram University, and other regional bodies.
In Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya, the NEC also completed a Rs 1.43 crore Model Handloom Production Centre at Marngar, aimed at strengthening traditional weaving practices, particularly among women, and improving market access and competitiveness.