Sitharaman Reaches Guwahati, Set to Begin Meghalaya Visit

GUWAHATI, June 18: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived in Guwahati on Thursday evening to begin her two-day visit to Meghalaya, where she is scheduled to participate in a series of development-focused programmes aimed at strengthening economic growth and infrastructure in the Northeast region.

Upon her arrival at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Sitharaman was welcomed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Assam Finance Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah and senior government officials were also present to receive the Union Minister.

Sharing details of the visit, Chief Minister Sarma extended his greetings to Sitharaman through a social media post, expressing confidence that her engagements in the Northeast would provide further momentum to development initiatives across the region.

The Finance Minister’s Meghalaya itinerary includes participation in a seminar titled “Leveraging Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) in the North-Eastern States”, which will bring together policymakers, government officials and development stakeholders. The seminar is expected to focus on enhancing the effective utilisation of international financial assistance for infrastructure, social welfare and economic development projects in the Northeast.

A major highlight of Sitharaman’s visit will be the inauguration of the Northeast region’s largest organic spice processing plant in Meghalaya’s Ri Bhoi district. The facility is expected to boost agricultural value addition, improve market access for local farmers and strengthen the region’s organic farming ecosystem.

The project is seen as a significant step towards promoting sustainable agriculture and increasing income opportunities for spice growers across the Northeast. Officials believe the processing plant will help improve product quality, support exports and generate employment in rural areas.

During her visit, Sitharaman will also lay the foundation stone for a series of externally aided projects valued at approximately Rs 1,200 crore. These initiatives are aimed at improving public infrastructure, connectivity and development outcomes in Meghalaya.

The projects are expected to contribute to long-term economic growth while enhancing access to essential services and creating opportunities for local communities. The investment reflects the Centre’s continued emphasis on accelerating development in the northeastern states through targeted funding and strategic partnerships.

The visit underscores the Union government’s focus on strengthening regional infrastructure, promoting agricultural innovation and expanding development opportunities in one of India’s fastest-growing regions.

With key announcements and project launches on the agenda, Sitharaman’s Meghalaya visit is expected to reinforce efforts to drive sustainable growth and improve economic prospects across the Northeast.