CORRESPONDENT
SHILLONG: Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, during a stakeholder interaction in Shillong, called for channelled regional feedback through the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) to build inclusive, responsive, and development-focused governance tailored to the Northeast.
Chairing the session organized by the Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), and Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Sitharaman engaged directly with business leaders, entrepreneurs, industry representatives, and citizens to deliberate on pressing regional challenges and opportunities.
The Minister felicitated two of Meghalaya's top women taxpayers, Rimiful Shylla and Wanjoplin, recognising them for their exemplary contribution to the nation's tax system.
During the session, stakeholders highlighted key demands including policy support for the hospitality sector, increased financial assistance for research and development institutions, and a call to bring local industries under the Targeted Champion Sector Scheme. Concerns were also raised about high logistics costs due to difficult terrain, and a need for rationalised transport subsidies. Participants sought greater market access and credit for startups and MSMEs rooted in the Northeast and urged enhanced central investments in infrastructure to stimulate regional industrial growth.
Responding to these, Sitharaman said, "Such proposals and sector-specific concerns should be routed through the respective ministries and DoNER for proper consideration and action."
She added, "The government remains committed to participatory policy-making and we are continuously working to make financial systems more accessible and efficient for all stakeholders."
Reaffirming the Centre's dedication to working closely with state governments and local stakeholders, the Finance Minister noted that such collaborative engagement is essential for building a prosperous, sustainable, and innovation-driven Northeast.
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