The Finance Minister laid foundation stones for multiple key infrastructure and development projects worth over  Rs 1,500 crore in Meghalaya.

Nirmala Sitharaman was accompanied by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. Sitharaman also launched the IICA North East Conclave 2025 at IIM Shillong and laid the foundation stone for the IICA Northeast Regional Campus.

The Union Finance Minister also laid the foundation for the redevelopment of Umiam Lake at a cost of Rs 99.99 crore. It will be funded under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. The project aims to boost tourism and conserve the lake`s ecosystem.

Sitharaman also inaugurated the groundwork for the Mawkhanu Football Stadium at a cost of Rs 732 crore for a 40,000-seating-capacity world-class football stadium, which will enhance local sports infrastructure.

Accompanying the Union Finance Minister, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the Digital Libraries initiative will "significantly enhance access to knowledge, especially in rural and remote areas."

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is on a four-day visit to Meghalaya from Thursday.