Meghalaya CM meets Sitharaman, discusses state’s fiscal issues

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Wednesday called on Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at the Parliament House in New Delhi.
Sangma congratulated Sitharaman on presenting the Union Budget for the ninth consecutive year and lauded her leadership of the Finance Ministry.
The Chief Minister also expressed gratitude for her continued support and sustained focus on Meghalaya’s development.
During the meeting, Sangma who also holds the Finance portfolio, discussed various fiscal and development-related issues with the Finance Minister ahead of the finalisation of the Meghalaya State Budget for 2026-27.
The Union Budget 2026-27 has extended enhanced fiscal support to Meghalaya through higher tax devolution and increased allocations under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), enabling the state to accelerate capital expenditure and infrastructure creation.
According to the Budget estimates, Meghalaya has been allocated Rs 9,631 crore under tax devolution, providing greater untied resources to pursue its developmental priorities.
Capital investment has also been strengthened under SASCI, which provides 50-year interest-free loans to states. Meghalaya received Rs 6,523 crore between 2020-21 and 2025-26 (till Jan), with annual releases steadily rising.
Earlier, Sangma described the Union Budget 2026-27, terming it as the ‘special focus’ on the Northeastern States.
“It is a visionary and holistic Union Budget that lays a strong roadmap for sustained economic growth. The special focus on the North East underscores the government’s firm resolve to transform the region into a dynamic growth engine of the East,” the Union Minister said.