Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced a significant surge in the state’s tax revenue during the first live pre-budget consultation for FY 2025-26 on Wednesday. The state’s own tax revenue increased from ₹1,450 crore in 2018 to ₹3,217 crore in 2025, marking a substantial financial milestone for the northeastern state. Sangma attributed the rise to the government’s consistent efforts to plug loopholes and improve revenue collection, particularly in the excise sector. He highlighted that excise revenue alone jumped from ₹199 crore to ₹458 crore over six years, with expectations of crossing ₹520 crore this year. “From ₹199 crore to ₹500 crore reflects the commitment of this government to plug the loopholes,” Sangma said, emphasizing the critical role of technology in monitoring sales and curbing revenue leakages. “We have to implement technology in a correct manner to monitor every movement and every sale that takes place,” he added.
The Chief Minister also spotlighted advancements in the education sector. Budget allocations for schools, higher, and technical education surged from ₹1,085 crore to ₹2,338 crore, reflecting a 14% jump. Nearly 2,500 schools have undergone renovations or received new buildings over the past four years, he noted. Sangma announced that Shillong Medical College is expected to commence operations in September-October 2025. However, challenges remain for Tura Medical College, particularly in staffing. “The shortage of doctors and professors is being addressed, and we are hopeful of progress soon,” he said. He also hinted at expanding private investment in higher education, including proposals for new private universities in the region.
The CM acknowledged systemic challenges within the education sector but expressed confidence in resolving them. “A lot of complications have built up over the years. We need to steadily and surgically untangle these knots while balancing finances. With sustained efforts, the education system will improve,” he assured.
