The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved a series of major proposals aimed at strengthening education, agriculture, tourism and information technology sectors across the state. The decisions include land allocation for St. Xavier’s University, development of an integrated Lakadong turmeric processing plant, expansion of tourism infrastructure and enhancement of IT facilities.
The cabinet approved the allotment of 50 acres of land at Mawkhanu for the establishment of St. Xavier’s University at a concessional rate of ₹1 lakh per hectare. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the university will create new educational opportunities for students in Meghalaya and the wider Northeast region while contributing to youth development.
The cabinet also approved the acquisition of 3.972 acres of land in Thadmuthlong, West Jaintia Hills, for setting up an integrated Lakadong turmeric processing plant. The project, estimated at around ₹187 crore, aims to promote value addition and improve market opportunities for farmers growing the high-curcumin variety of turmeric.
In the tourism sector, amendments to the lease agreement for Orchid Resort at Mawkasiang were approved to facilitate its upgrade into a five-star resort. The revised agreement includes a ₹5 crore deposit from the developer and revenue sharing with the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation.
The cabinet further sanctioned ₹36 crore for expanding the second IT park at Umsawli, which will provide improved infrastructure for potential international companies and support Meghalaya’s digital economy.