Shillong: A major share of Meghalaya’s development funding is repaid by the central government, CM Conrad K Sangma said on Wednesday, responding to concerns over externally aided funding. “Nearly 80% of this funding is repaid by the Government of India. The financial burden on the state is minimal, while the benefits are substantial and visible,” he said.Sangma was speaking at the ‘Skillerate 2026’ programme at NEHU, Shillong, where he launched four initiatives to strengthen the state’s skill development ecosystem and expand employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. He said thousands have already benefited from skilling interventions.He also acknowledged the role of development partners, saying close to 50% of the funding comes from an externally aided project supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).The chief minister said the government will distribute toolkits according to trades, including specialized kits for tour guides, plumbers and technicians. The initiative is expected to benefit nearly 21,000 trainees, with an estimated expenditure of around Rs 24 crore for toolkits alone.“In addition, approximately Rs 40,000 is spent by the govt per trainee. Over the last three years, around Rs 80 crore has been invested in the Meghalaya Skills Programme. This investment has generated an estimated Rs 150 crore in earnings by trained youth,” he said, adding that skilling is “an investment that is delivering returns.” The programme was organized by the state department of labour, employment and skill development, in collaboration with Skills Meghalaya and the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS).
