Meghalaya Government Lauds Union Budget for Boosting Infrastructure and Agriculture

The Meghalaya government praised the Union Budget's increase in special assistance to states, expecting it to accelerate infrastructure and agricultural development. The Finance Department highlighted significant allocations for capital investments, employment, skill development, and natural farming. Opposition Congress criticized the budget as favoring the rich and providing insufficient support to the Northeast.

The Meghalaya government has welcomed the Union Budget, noting that the increased outlay for special assistance on capital investments will spur infrastructure development within the state.

The state government revealed that over Rs 1,300 crore has already been utilized under this scheme in the 2023-24 fiscal year. The Finance Department emphasized that the provision of 50 years interest-free loans, increased from Rs 1.3 lakh crore to Rs 1.5 lakh crore, is a positive development for Meghalaya.

The administration further commended the focus on employment creation and skill development, aligning with Meghalaya's ambitious 'Mission 10'. These initiatives, coupled with plans to leverage central schemes and increase the number of Indian Posts Payments Bank branches, are expected to drive significant growth.

Increased attention to natural farming and agriculture will provide essential resources to farmers, enhancing their income and productivity. However, the opposition Congress party criticized the budget for allegedly favoring the wealthy and neglecting critical areas such as education, healthcare, and unemployment in the Northeast.