Union Finance Minister Smti Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated 72 Digital Libraries across Meghalaya on Friday, launching a series of development projects aimed at enhancing the state’s infrastructure and social sectors. Key initiatives include the redevelopment of Umiam Lake, funded by the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) program, the construction of the Mawkhanu Football Stadium, and the establishment of modern MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) infrastructure at Mawkhanu.
In her bid to promote women empowerment and regional development, the Finance Minister also initiated the construction of Working Women’s Hostels in Shillong, Jowai, Byrnihat, and Tura, also under the SASCI scheme. Further emphasizing corporate governance in the Northeast, she laid the foundation for the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) Northeast Regional Campus and the CBIC Integrated Complex at Umsawli.
The event was attended by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, his cabinet members, and senior state government officials. During the gathering, Sitharaman distributed sanction letters and cheques to beneficiaries of various MSME schemes, underscoring the government’s commitment to grassroots entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
Sitharaman announced that the government would provide 50-year interest-free loans to the Meghalaya government under the SASCI scheme to assist with redevelopment efforts. She is on a four-day visit to the northeastern state, where she will engage with industry stakeholders and beneficiaries of the payment ecosystem service program.
Among the notable projects, the redevelopment of the famed Umiam Lake is approved with a budget of Rs 99 crore, while an additional Rs 99 crore is allocated for creating advanced MICE infrastructure at Mawkhanu, for which the foundation stone has already been laid.
Original Source: https://www.sentinelassam.com/topheadlines/sitharaman-inaugurates-72-digital-libraries-lays-foundation-for-key-projects-in-meghalaya
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Publish Date: 2025-07-12 07:50:00
