Conrad K. Sangma Tables ₹32,023 Cr Meghalaya Budget

• By Thetripurapost Desk, Shillong
• Feb 23, 2026
• 6

Conrad K. Sangma on February 23 presented a ₹32,023-crore Budget for the financial year 2026–27 in the Assembly, projecting a fiscal deficit of approximately 3.5 per cent of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and announcing no new taxation measures.

Unveiling his ninth consecutive Budget, the Chief Minister—who also oversees the Finance portfolio—emphasised the government’s resolve to harmonise fiscal prudence with accelerated economic expansion under its “Vision 2032” blueprint. The roadmap envisages a threefold enlargement of Meghalaya’s economy during what he described as the “Meghalayan Decade.”

The Budget estimates revenue receipts at ₹26,583 crore and capital receipts at ₹5,417 crore. Excluding borrowings of ₹5,379 crore, total receipts stand at ₹26,621 crore. Aggregate expenditure is projected at ₹32,023 crore, comprising revenue expenditure of ₹21,812 crore and a capital outlay of ₹10,211 crore—marking the first time capital spending has surpassed the ₹10,000-crore threshold. After adjusting for loan repayments of ₹2,731 crore, effective expenditure is pegged at ₹29,293 crore.

Interest liabilities for 2026–27 are estimated at ₹1,540 crore, while pension obligations are projected at ₹1,980 crore. Transfers from the Centre are expected to increase to ₹21,229 crore, and the state’s own tax revenue is forecast to rise to ₹4,720 crore. Sangma attributed the expansion in capital investment to enhanced tax mobilisation, optimal utilisation of centrally sponsored schemes and externally aided projects, all while maintaining fiscal discipline within the permissible 3.5 per cent deficit limit.

Highlighting the state’s macroeconomic performance, Sangma noted that Meghalaya is currently the country’s second-fastest-growing state, recording a real GSDP growth rate of 9.66 per cent and sustaining near double-digit growth for three successive years. The state’s GDP is projected to reach ₹76,320 crore in 2026–27, with targets of ₹85,000 crore by 2028 and ₹1.35 lakh crore by 2032.

A new 1,000-day mission to combat child malnutrition has been introduced with an allocation of ₹127 crore, alongside ₹244 crore earmarked for broader nutrition initiatives. Under the “Mission 10” strategy, agriculture and high-value horticulture remain pivotal growth drivers, receiving ₹664 crore. Animal husbandry and fisheries have been allocated ₹247 crore and ₹130 crore, respectively.

Tourism, arts and culture have secured ₹376 crore—a 57 per cent increase—reflecting the government’s ambition to develop globally competitive destinations at Umiam, Sohra, Dawki-Shnongpdeng and Nokrek, and to promote 1,000 homestays under the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission.

In preparation for hosting the 39th National Games in 2027, sports and youth affairs have been allotted ₹844 crore, including ₹210 crore for the Games’ organisation and ₹400 crore for infrastructure development such as the Mawkhanu Football Stadium and international-standard facilities at Umsawli.

Entrepreneurship and skill development initiatives will receive ₹241 crore, with new interventions under CM-Elevate spanning green mobility, adventure tourism and agricultural infrastructure. The government also aims to facilitate overseas employment placements and strengthen village-level skill training frameworks.

The urban sector has been allocated ₹1,540 crore for projects including New Shillong City, waste management systems and administrative infrastructure. Road connectivity will advance under the Meghalaya Logistics and Connectivity Improvement Project with an outlay of ₹1,982 crore. Additionally, ₹571 crore has been earmarked for major water supply schemes and ₹300 crore under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

The power sector will receive ₹1,123 crore to reinforce transmission networks and hydropower initiatives, while ₹149 crore has been designated for IT and digital connectivity. The health sector has been allotted ₹2,472 crore, encompassing the expansion of medical infrastructure such as Shillong Medical College and enhanced maternal and child healthcare services. Education has been allocated ₹3,347 crore for scholarships, infrastructure modernisation and the introduction of a structured pay framework for fixed-pay teachers.

Housing initiatives will focus on fulfilling targets under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) and developing affordable urban housing complexes. Welfare programmes including CM-CARE, FOCUS and support for Self-Help Groups will continue, alongside the launch of a Chief Minister’s Model Village Scheme aimed at revitalising rural economies.

“The dividends of growth must accrue to every Meghalayan,” Sangma affirmed, underscoring that sustained public investment, digital governance and community-driven development will remain central to the state’s trajectory towards achieving its Vision 2032 aspirations.