Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma stated on Monday that Meghalaya has emerged as the second fastest-growing economy in the country, with a real GDP growth rate of 9.66 percent, as highlighted in the Governor's Address.
Responding to the general discussion during the ongoing budget session, Sangma said that only Tamil Nadu recorded a higher growth rate of 11.19 percent for 2024–25, while Meghalaya maintained an average growth of around 10 percent over the last three years.
He clarified that the real GDP reflects actual economic expansion after adjusting for inflation, and attributed the growth to targeted planning and government interventions aimed at expanding the state's economy beyond Rs 85,000 crore.
The Chief Minister stated that the per capita income in the state increased from Rs 88,954 in 2018–19 to Rs 1.57 lakh in 2024–25, despite population growth, making Meghalaya fifth in the country in per capita income growth.
Highlighting employment generation, Sangma informed that around 3.66 lakh jobs were created between 2019 and 2025 using the Reserve Bank of India's KLEMS framework, with agriculture contributing nearly 1.9 lakh livelihoods.
He said that programs such as organic farming and the Lakadong turmeric initiative have strengthened income at the grassroots level, benefiting thousands of farmers.
The Chief Minister also informed that nearly eight lakh people have benefited from various welfare schemes, while Meghalaya currently offers one of the highest minimum wages for unskilled workers at Rs 525 per day.
Sangma added that infrastructure expansion, tourism growth, and increased opportunities for local contractors and entrepreneurs are further strengthening the state's economic momentum while preserving its cultural identity.
