Sitharaman inaugurates 72 digital libraries, lays foundation for key projects in Meghalaya

CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Union Finance Minister Smti Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday inaugurated 72 Digital Libraries across Meghalaya and laid the foundation for a slew of development projects aimed at boosting the state's infrastructure and social sector. Among the major initiatives unveiled were the Redevelopment of Umiam Lake under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), the Mawkhanu Football Stadium, and the Development of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) Infrastructure at Mawkhanu.

 In a push towards women empowerment and regional balance, the Finance Minister also laid the foundation for the construction of Working Women's Hostels at Shillong, Jowai, Byrnihat, and Tura under SASCI.

 Marking a milestone for corporate governance training in the Northeast, she also laid the foundation of the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) Northeast Regional Campus and the CBIC Integrated Complex at Umsawli.

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, members of his cabinet, and senior officials of the state government were present during the event.

 The Finance Minister further handed over sanction letters and cheques to various beneficiaries of the MSME schemes, reaffirming the Centre's focus on grassroots entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

Union Minister Sitharaman, while addressing a public gathering in Shillong, said that the government will offer the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) to Meghalaya to assist the state in the process of redevelopment.

Under this scheme, the government will provide 50-year interest-free loans to the state government. Additionally, the Finance Minister also announced some projects in Meghalaya under the SASCI scheme.

The minister is on a 4-day visit to this northeastern state, where she will interact with Industry stakeholders, beneficiaries of the payment ecosystem service program and many others in the upcoming days.

Among the major projects, the redevelopment of the iconic Lake Umiam has been sanctioned at a cost of Rs 99 crore. Another Rs 99 crore has been earmarked for the development of a modern MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) infrastructure at Mawkhanu, for which the foundation stone has already been laid.

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