Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma attended the two-day State Finance Ministers and Finance Secretaries Conference in New Delhi on September 18 and 19. The Union Finance Ministry organised the meeting under the theme “Financing India’s Journey towards Viksit Bharat.” Several chief ministers, finance ministers and senior state officials took part in the discussions.
The conference focused on financing challenges, economic growth and policy coordination between the Centre and states. It also examined ways to strengthen investment and support India’s long-term development goals.
Conference Focuses on Financing Viksit Bharat
The Ministry of Finance organised the conference to bring state governments and the Centre together on development financing. The meeting aimed to combine policy discussions with practical challenges faced by states.
The official agenda covered areas such as macroeconomic developments, agricultural transformation and financing the energy transition. Discussions also examined the role of private investment in supporting long-term development.
The conference provided a platform for states to share their priorities and concerns. It also encouraged discussions on policy measures that can improve resource mobilisation and investment.
Conrad Sangma Represents Meghalaya
Conrad Sangma participated in the conference along with chief ministers and senior representatives from several states. Meghalaya was among the states represented at the high-level meeting.
Sangma’s participation comes as Meghalaya continues to focus on infrastructure development, investment and improved public services. The state has also been seeking greater access to development financing for projects across key sectors.
The Chief Minister’s participation allowed Meghalaya to engage directly in discussions on the financial challenges faced by states.
States Discuss Capital Investment
Capital expenditure emerged as an important issue during the conference.
Revenue Secretary Arvind Shrivastava said states need to increase their capital outlay to around three per cent of Gross State Domestic Product by 2031-32. States currently budget around 2.4 per cent of GSDP for capital expenditure, according to a presentation at the conference.
The discussions highlighted the importance of infrastructure investment in supporting economic growth. Better roads, public facilities, connectivity and productive assets can strengthen the capacity of states to support economic activity.
For northeastern states such as Meghalaya, infrastructure investment remains particularly important because of the region’s geographical and connectivity challenges.
Private Investment Gets Attention
The conference also examined ways to increase private investment.
Officials identified renewable energy, energy storage, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, data centres, tourism and agricultural value chains as areas with potential for private investment.
States can support such investments by providing land, power, connectivity and a suitable business environment. Better infrastructure and policy support can help attract investment into emerging sectors.
For Meghalaya, tourism and agriculture remain important areas where additional investment could support employment and economic activity.
Centre-State Coordination Takes Centre Stage
The conference placed strong emphasis on coordination between the Centre and state governments.
The Finance Ministry said the meeting would focus on policy complementarities between the Centre and states. It also sought to combine academic research with practical policy discussions on India’s development priorities.
Such meetings allow state governments to present their concerns directly to the Union government. They also provide opportunities to discuss financing mechanisms and policy reforms that can support state-level development.
Meghalaya’s Development Financing Needs
Meghalaya has continued to seek greater financing support for infrastructure and development projects.
Earlier this month, Sangma and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi. They sought a renewed push for externally aided projects in the Northeast.
Sangma also raised the need for greater financing support for Meghalaya’s development requirements. Reports said the meeting focused on accelerating externally aided projects and increasing capital expenditure in the region.
The latest finance conference therefore comes amid continuing discussions between Meghalaya and the Centre over development financing.
Agriculture and Energy Transition Discussed
Agricultural transformation formed one of the major themes of the conference.
The discussions looked at ways to improve agricultural productivity and strengthen market opportunities. Better financing can help farmers and agricultural businesses invest in infrastructure and technology.
Energy transition also featured prominently. The conference examined financing requirements linked to cleaner energy and related infrastructure.
These issues have relevance for Meghalaya as the state explores sustainable development opportunities.
Fiscal Management Remains Important
The conference also highlighted the need for stronger fiscal management.
States face rising demands for infrastructure, public services and social development. At the same time, they must manage their revenues and expenditures carefully.
The Finance Ministry’s discussions focused on improving resource mobilisation and spending efficiency. Officials also stressed the need to create greater fiscal space for productive investment.
For states with smaller economies, efficient use of available resources can play an important role in maintaining development momentum.
Northeast Development in Wider Policy Discussions
The participation of Meghalaya’s Chief Minister also brought the Northeast into a wider national development discussion.
The Union government has repeatedly highlighted the Northeast’s role in India’s development plans. Earlier in June, a conference on externally aided projects in the northeastern states brought together chief ministers, development partners and officials to discuss ways to accelerate growth in the region.
The Centre has also emphasised infrastructure, investment and stronger institutions as important elements of the region’s development strategy.
Meghalaya Continues Engagement With Centre
Conrad Sangma’s participation in the New Delhi conference adds to Meghalaya’s ongoing engagement with the Union government on economic and development matters.
The two-day meeting provided an opportunity to discuss financing challenges alongside broader national priorities. It also brought states together to examine ways to mobilise resources for infrastructure, agriculture, energy and other sectors.
As India continues its development journey, state governments will play a major role in implementing projects and delivering public services. For Meghalaya, participation in such discussions provides a platform to present the state’s financing needs and development priorities.
The conference has therefore brought renewed attention to Centre-state cooperation, investment and fiscal planning as Meghalaya works to advance its development agenda.