Interview/ Conrad K. Sangma, chief minister, Meghalaya
IN HIS SECOND term as Meghalaya chief minister, Conrad K. Sangma has emerged as one of the most visible faces from the northeast on the national stage. And he is busy balancing his regional aspirations with his role in the National Democratic Alliance.
At his Lodhi Estate official residence in Delhi, Sangma explains how Meghalaya is moving up the tourism ladder with its cloud-draped valleys and music festivals. His government has been pushing for infrastructure improvement. “By 2027, Airbus A320s will land in Shillong,” he says. Excerpts from an interview:
Q/ How do you see the growth in tourism in Meghalaya and the efforts behind it?
A/ We have been focusing on the core infrastructure, including creating accommodation and connectivity. These have improved a lot. It’s only three years ago that Meghalaya got its first five-star hotel, and four more will come up in the next few years. By 2027, bigger aircraft like the Airbus A320 will start landing in Shillong Airport, giving us direct connectivity with metros like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad.
We have also invested heavily in developing locations through externally aided projects and the Government of India schemes. The iconic structures and important tourist destinations are getting a facelift. We expect these upgrades to further boost tourism.
Q/ What is Meghalaya’s selling point to the tourists?
A/ Every state should build on its strengths. For us, it’s our natural beauty, the landscapes, waterfalls and forests. Naturally, our focus is on eco-tourism and nature-based tourism. We want to market Shillong and Meghalaya as a place where visitors can feel refreshed and one with nature. But it’s not just about nature. Our culture is unique, and we want tourists to experience our food, festivals, music and traditions. Combining culture with natural beauty makes the experience more sustainable and memorable.
Q/ Connectivity and last-mile access have always been challenges in the northeast. How are you addressing them?
A/ Tourists today want hassle-free connectivity. In 2018, when we took over, there was no flight connectivity to Shillong. The airport wasn’t functional. We worked on that, and now flights are operating. The runway isn’t long enough for larger aircraft, but we are extending it. By 2027, we’ll be able to handle A320s.
Under my Chief Minister’s Elevate Programme, entrepreneurs and travel agents get a 45 per cent subsidy to purchase vehicles like Toyota Innovas. Some 200 vehicles have already been added, with drivers trained in professional hospitality. We’re also encouraging homestays, because they give tourists a unique, comfortable experience that combines local culture with modern amenities. The idea is to create a seamless flow from arrival to accommodation, transport, guides and activities.
Q/ Which are the regions tourists mainly come from?
A/ Connectivity plays a big role. We have many tourists from Gujarat, Maharashtra and Assam. There’s also a steady flow from Kolkata, since we have direct flights. International arrivals aren’t at the level we want yet.
Earlier, tourists stayed just for a day or two. Now, with structured experiences, they are staying four to six days. When they stay long it helps both in revenue for the state and livelihoods for our people.
Q/ Nearly 50 per cent of the state’s population is below 20. How is your government catering to their employment needs?
A/ We have roughly 80,000 people joining the workforce every year. That’s a challenge. Government jobs are limited, only about 1,500 a year. That’s why from day one, I have focused on entrepreneurship. We now have separate programmes for urban, rural, self-help group-based, pharma, and skill-based entrepreneurs. I would say that we have got one of the most aggressive entrepreneurship programmes in the entire country. Meghalaya has been recognised by the Centre as one of the best ecosystems for startups among smaller states.
We are also investing in music and sports. Through the Chief Minister’s Grassroots Music Programme, we support more than 7,500 artistes, paying them for live performances at tourist locations. Many earn Rs7,000–Rs15,000 per performance. This not only provides income but also enriches the tourist experience.
Q/ You’ve set a target of making Meghalaya a $16 billion economy by 2032. Is that realistic?
A/ When we started in 2018, Meghalaya’s economy was Rs30,000 crore. Today, it is Rs60,000 crore; we’ve doubled in seven years. Our immediate target is Rs85,000 crore (about $10 billion) by 2028, as the momentum has picked up, and we’re confident of reaching $16 billion by 2032. I agree these are ambitious, but our growth trajectory and momentum show we’re on track.
Q/ You’ve often walked a fine line between regional identity and national alliance politics. How do you balance the interests of Meghalaya while being an NDA member?
A/ India is a diverse country, so regional aspirations are natural. What works for larger states like Maharashtra or Gujarat may not apply to Meghalaya or the northeast as some of the criteria are different. Therefore, it is natural to have regional aspirations. But, obviously, we are Indians, and we are all part of the same nation. If there is any issue to do with nationalism, if there’s any issue to do with the security of our nation, we ensure that national interest is not compromised. Diversity means occasional clashes of interest, but in most cases, a balance can be found.
Q/ What support are you seeking from the Centre for Meghalaya?
A/ To be fair, in the last eight years, we have received unprecedented support from the Centre. For example, under PMAY, the state received 40,000 houses in 15 years. We have built 1.5 lakh houses in just a few years with only 10,000 left to complete. That shows both the Centre’s support and our ability to deliver. I have placed some important project requests with the prime minister and finance minister, but, overall, the Centre has been very responsive.