{
  "id": 998446,
  "title": "Meghalaya among fastest-growing states, economy more than doubled since 2018: CM on I-Day",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/meghalaya-among-fastest-growing-states-economy-more-than-doubled",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-15T08:15:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times",
    "slug": "hindustan-times",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/meghalaya-among-fastest-growing-states-economy-more-than-doubled-since-2018-cm-on-iday-101786781702881.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma of Meghalaya declared the state one of India’s fastest-growing economies on Independence Day, noting the economy had more than doubled since 2018. Speaking at the Polo Grounds in Shillong, Sangma outlined a development vision prioritizing natural resource protection, job creation, and improved livelihoods. He emphasized three key foundations — safeguarding land, empowering people, and preserving culture.\n\nMeghalaya has invested in roads, basic infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education, tourism, and sports, leading to a more than doubling of its economy over the past five years, positioning it as the third fastest-growing state in India. The state's commitment to environmental conservation is evident in the protection of 63,000 hectares of natural forest through the GREEN Meghalaya Plus initiative, which provides annual payments to nearly 6,300 farmers who safeguard forests. Over 60,000 springs have been identified, and more than 500 large water-harvesting structures are being built.\n\nSangma highlighted the state's vast forest cover — 76% of the land — and its reliance on natural resources for livelihoods. He recounted a story from a visit to Nokrek in Garo Hills where a farmer requested an orchard to combat jhum burning instead of relief. This gave Sangma insight into the farmers' desire for sustainable livelihood alternatives.\n\nThe CM emphasized the government's support for agriculture transformation through the CM FARM+ scheme, which offers high-value, long-gestation crops to over 25,000 farmers. Initiatives like the Lakadong organic mission and ginger processing facilities aim to boost farmers' income. Infrastructure development is a cornerstone, with more than 3,200 km of roads constructed in eight years.\n\nHealthcare improvements are notable, with maternal deaths falling by over 56% and infant deaths by nearly 40% since 2020. Full immunization coverage has remained at 90% for three years. Sangma also noted that the Safe Motherhood Scheme has facilitated 100,000 pregnant women, including 15,800 high-risk mothers, to healthcare facilities.\n\nEducation and youth employment are key priorities. Meghalaya’s Performance Grading Index score has risen from 448 to 525 in a year, and SSLC and HSSLC pass rates have improved significantly. More than 55,000 individuals have benefited from the CM Skills Mission, and entrepreneurship programs have created 10,000 direct and 25,000 indirect jobs.\n\nTourism has emerged as a vital economic sector, with visitor numbers rising from 12 lakh in 2018 to nearly 18 lakh annually. The government supports homestays and destination development. The music sector has also been integrated into the economy, supported by the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Programme.\n\nThe state has expanded rehabilitation centers to 14 from nine and launched the DREAM Mission to combat drug abuse, emphasizing that a strong defense against drugs is a full life with purpose and opportunities. Sangma also highlighted citizen engagement through CM Connect, noting over one lakh interactions since 2024, and the state's continuous power supply and reduced transmission losses.\n\nLooking ahead, Sangma highlighted infrastructure projects like New Shillong, the Dhubri-Phulbari bridge, and the upcoming 39th National Games as catalysts for further growth. He acknowledged that the journey remains unfinished, noting ongoing efforts to connect villages, provide opportunities for young people, and improve family income. Sangma concluded by reflecting on Meghalaya's living root bridges — symbols of enduring commitment and purpose in development.",
  "summary": "Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma said the state was the 3rd fastest-growing in India over five years, with its economy more than doubling since 2018.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}