Shillong, Jul 21 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has heaped praises on Meghalaya’s development model, describing the state as a “blueprint for a resilient and self-reliant India”.
His remarks came in response to a post by Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on social media, where she highlighted Meghalaya progress following her four-day visit to the state from July 10 to 13.
“Union Finance Minister Smt. @nsitharaman highlights Meghalaya’s remarkable transformation driven by tourism, youth empowerment, women-led SHGs, initiatives like the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the Vibrant Village Programme and more. With strong government support and vibrant community spirit, the state stands as a blueprint for a resilient and self-reliant India,” the Prime Minister’s Office posted on X on Sunday.
In an article published in a national daily, Sitharaman lauded the state’s inclusive and sustainable development initiatives, noting the role of community participation, youth engagement, and women’s empowerment in driving change.
“Throughout this journey, I was moved by the determination, optimism, and harmony with nature that define the people of Meghalaya. With government support and community spirit aligned, Meghalaya today offers a blueprint for a vibrant, confident, and self-reliant India. Till next time, Khublei Shibun and Mithela Meghalaya!” she wrote.
During her July 10-13 tour, Sitharaman visited key tourism and development sites, interacted with self-help groups (SHGs), and laid foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 1,087 crore in sectors such as tourism, sports infrastructure, women empowerment and digital inclusion.
The finance minister highlighted the role of women-led SHGs in villages such as Laitkynsew and Siej, terming them examples of grassroots economic empowerment. She interacted with several ‘Lakhpati Didis’ and praised their contribution to building sustainable livelihoods.
At Siej village in East Khasi Hills, Sitharaman visited the famous living root bridges, describing them as a testimony to indigenous ecological wisdom. She noted that locals are striving to get the root bridges listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
In Sohra (Cherrapunji), the minister also visited the Ramakrishna Mission, where more than 100 women are being trained in traditional weaving under a skill development initiative. She planted a sapling at the mission’s campus and engaged with spiritual leaders on vocational training and youth development.
Concluding her visit with a stakeholder meet in Shillong, Sitharaman assured business leaders, entrepreneurs and tax officials of the Centre’s continued support for the Northeast.
She felicitated top women taxpayers from Meghalaya and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma welcomed the Centre’s recognition of the state’s progress, calling it a “moment of pride” and a validation of the people-centric and environmentally conscious development model adopted by the state.
“Thank you Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji for your steadfast support to Meghalaya. Your inclusive approach and tireless dedication to building a #ViksitBharat shine through in the progress and success of every state. We remain deeply grateful for your guidance and commitment to nation-building,” Sangma said in a post on X.
Earlier this year, the chief minister unveiled its ambition of becoming a USD 1 billion economy by 2028, banking on tourism, green economy, agro-processing, and youth entrepreneurship. PTI JOP ACD
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