Shillong, Feb 23: Meghalaya has created 3.66 lakh jobs between 2019 and 2025, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma told the Assembly on Monday while responding to the debate on the Governor’s Address.

Agriculture led job creation with 1.90 lakh positions, driven by programs such as floriculture (789 jobs), mushroom cultivation (4,078), fruit development (12,714), organic farming (47,927), and the Lakadong mission (15,333). Sangma said every district benefited, highlighting organic farming growth in West Garo Hills (5,279), Ri-Bhoi (4,301), and East Khasi Hills (4,728).

Other sectors contributing to employment included hospitality (12,683 jobs), transport (9,835), and manufacturing/recycling (24,926), based on a KLEMS assessment using Reserve Bank of India methodology, which evaluates productivity and employment trends across capital, labour, energy, materials, and services.

State schemes also supported livelihoods, aiding 10,000 beneficiaries under YES Meghalaya, 11,050 under Aqua Mission, 1.7 lakh under CM-CARE, and 9,000 under PRIME, covering nearly 8 lakh residents. “It is difficult to satisfy everybody, but we are trying,” Sangma said.

Meghalaya’s minimum wage of Rs 525 is the second-highest in the country and tops the Northeast. The state recorded India’s second-fastest real GSDP growth at 9.66%, trailing Tamil Nadu’s 11.91%, with a three-year average near 10%. Meghalaya’s per-capita ranking improved from 28th to 26th since 2019, ranking fifth nationally in per-capita growth despite a 0.95% population increase.

Sangma highlighted cultural and infrastructure milestones, including adopting a state anthem and symbols, reviving the Croborough Hotel, and building a new Assembly complex. Local contractor spending tripled from Rs 454 crore in 2019 to Rs 1,286 crore, prioritizing smaller works. He also announced housing for landless poor families, ensuring “the poorest are not left behind” amid Shillong’s ongoing development.