Shillong : Shazia Ilmi, national spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said the Union Budget 2026 strengthens Meghalaya’s development prospects through increased tax devolution and major infrastructure investments.
She stated that Meghalaya will receive approximately ₹9,600 crore in untied funds, providing the state with greater financial flexibility.
“It gives the state more flexibility and of course more responsibility. What does this ₹9,600 crore mean to a citizen of Meghalaya? We are looking at tourism as a year-round livelihood,” Ilmi said.
She credited improved delivery systems under Narendra Modi’s leadership, stating that government schemes have become more efficient and leak-proof.
Key Projects Highlighted
Ilmi outlined several infrastructure and development initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity, tourism, and employment:
Development of 170 km of national highways worth ₹2,703 crore to improve connectivity
Construction of 88 rural roads (782 km) and 55 bridges to strengthen rural access
Sanctioning of an IT Park in Tura to promote digital infrastructure and job creation
Funding support for the Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge, one of India’s longest bridges, expected to transform market access
Implementation of two Swadesh Darshan projects worth ₹184 crore to boost tourism
Investments in tourism infrastructure at Umiam Lake, including water sports, tribal rejuvenation centres, and visitor facilities
Ilmi said these initiatives reflect the Centre’s commitment to strengthening tourism and infrastructure in Meghalaya.
Budget Reflects Inclusive Growth: Devesh Kumar
Devesh Kumar, Bihar MLC and convener of the Budget Publicity Campaign for the Northeast, said the Union Budget 2026 is guided by the philosophy of inclusive growth.
“Every budget has a philosophy and every budget is a product of its time,” Kumar said, referring to the government’s response to the pandemic and social welfare priorities.
He praised the Prime Minister’s welfare initiatives, including the 5 kg ration scheme, and noted the rise in capital expenditure from ₹3.08 lakh crore in 2018-19 to ₹12.22 lakh crore in the current budget.
“The government is working on the philosophy that the last man standing in the queue should benefit from whatever measures the government is taking,” he added.
Kumar said the budget focuses on:
Driving India towards prosperity
Enhancing people’s capabilities
Ens
uring equal opportunities
He highlighted the push for industrial growth, employment generation, emerging technologies such as AI and biotechnology, and development initiatives targeting women, youth, and farmers.
“India cannot grow until the Northeast grows,” Kumar said, noting initiatives such as trade corridors and targeted development programmes for the region.
The Union Budget 2026 places significant emphasis on the Northeast, with tourism, infrastructure, and connectivity expected to play key roles in Meghalaya’s economic growth.