Shillong, Jan 10: The North Eastern Council (NEC) disbursed Rs 76.78 crore across Northeastern states and regional agencies in December 2025, focusing on infrastructure, livelihoods, culture, research, and innovation.

Meghalaya received Rs 13.45 crore for various development projects, according to an NEC statement. Funds were allocated for tourism infrastructure at Laitlyngkot (Lamlyer) in East Khasi Hills, the Seng Khasi Ri Raid Laban Cultural Complex at Lum Shat Sngi, Kenches Trace, Shillong, and an RCC G+4 commercial building at Iewdak Laban Municipal Market for agricultural, horticultural, handicraft, piggery, and floriculture products.

Additional funding supported school construction at RKM School in Laidiengsai, Mawrah, Laitryngew, Wahlong, Pynursla, Pomsohmen, and Nongkynrih. Other initiatives included pipeline realignments, utility ducts, public toilets at five sites, waste management, lighting, painting, beautification, and supply line replacements along the Iewduh market approach road.

Under the NESIDS (Roads) scheme, NEC allocated Rs 3 crore for road improvements in Meghalaya, including the Shillong-Umroi Airport road, enhancing connectivity for approximately 10 villages and 7,300 residents.

The NEC also disbursed Rs 26.47 crore to regional agencies for projects such as kiwi orchards, education sponsorships for 91 boarders and 622 day scholars, banana tissue culture, GI registration for 166 crops, pig breeding units, medicinal plant livelihoods, high-tech nurseries, smoked meat units, and multi-agriculture ventures in fisheries and piggery. Research initiatives included 5G use-cases for societal challenges and socio-ecological analysis of Sone Beel.

Non-project activities encompassed youth cultural exchanges, festivals, handloom fairs, women empowerment programs, sports events, AI digital transformation training, and studies on governance, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. These initiatives were implemented through NERCRMS, NEDFi, NEHHDC, NERAMAC, USTM, Assam University, Mizoram University, and other regional societies.

In Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district, NEC completed a Rs 1.43 crore Model Handloom Production Centre at Marngar, aimed at strengthening traditional weaving skills, particularly among women, and improving market competitiveness.