+913642224282 cmomeghalaya@gmail.com

Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma supports 44 athletes with sports scholarships


Shillong, May 1, 2025: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday handed over Chief Minister’s Sports Scholarship Scheme to 44 athletes across 10 disciplines at a send-off ceremony for Team Meghalaya.

The team will be participating at Khelo India Games 2025 to be held in Bihar from 4th May to 15th May.

The scheme aims to support and nurture sporting talents in the state. In the last six years, the government has made investment in sports infrastructure, policy interventions to promote the sporting ecosystem. The new scheme will further facilitate athletes for national excellence and also lay groundwork for the state to host National Games in 2027.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said, “These scholarships recognize the hard work and dedication of our athletes, encouraging them to strive for greater achievements and bring pride to Meghalaya and the nation”.

Reminding the gathering of the scenario, when MDA government took over the reins in 2018, he stated that the state’s sporting scenario was marred by a lack of policy, inadequate infrastructure, and minimal financial support.

“…the government took bold steps, including the revival of the Meghalaya Games – held only twice in 48 years until 2019. The games are now being conducted on a rotational basis across districts, fostering inclusive participation and discovering grassroots talent”, the chief minister added.

He also said that the government has embarked on a mission mode to build and upgrade sports infrastructure in urban and rural areas, with dedicated efforts to develop training facilities, stadiums, and community-level sports hubs.

Terming that the Chief Minister’s Sports Scholarship Scheme is aimed at acknowledging outstanding sporting talent and easing the financial burden on athletes, he acknowledged that the financial support is not large but even modest support can make a big difference when used wisely. “The scholarship is not just about money, it is about recognition,” he added.

“It’s a message to every athlete that your hard work matters, and we stand with you.”

He also took the opportunity to inform the gathering on the preparation which is underway for hosting the National Games in 2027. “Meghalaya is working rigorously to ensure a world-class event. The state has committed to a comprehensive timeline for urban renewal, beautification, and environmental clean-up. Key initiatives include the rejuvenation of Wah Umkhrah and Umshyrpi Rivers, symbolic of the broader effort to beautify the cities of Shillong, Tura, and Jowai, which are expected to play central roles during the Games”, he said.

“This is not just about sports. It is about showcasing the spirit, talent, and beauty of Meghalaya to the rest of the country and the world,” he added.

Initiatives : Agriculture

Launch of “Restart Meghalaya Mission’ on 15th August 2020

The Mission comprise of a series of interventions to support farmers and entrepreneurs by enabling them to build growth-promoting basic infrastructure and services. Under this Mission, 1917iTEAMS – the IT Platform aimed at enabling farmers access to agricultural information, crop advisories and markets will be expanded logistically through induction of another 100 vehicles.

Creation of the Directorate of Food Processing on May 2018

With the objective of seizing opportunities in the sector and the untapped food processing potential of the state for uplifting the livelihoods of farmers and value chain actors, the Government of Meghalaya created the Directorate of Food Processing (DFP) as a one-stop agency to handle all matters relating to food processing in the state and to deal with all central government Ministries and Agencies (viz. Ministries of Agriculture, and Food Processing, SFAC, NCDC, NABARD, etc.) in all matters pertaining to the development of agricultural food processing sector.

First Ever Farmer’s Parliament held on 4th - 5th December 2018

The parliament was organised by the state department of agriculture in collaboration with Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) and the Hill Farmers' Union (HFU). As a step toward the promotion of new technologies, HFU with the support of Meghalaya government, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence App for farmers — called Nongrep (nongrep in Khasi language means farmer) with its software partner Impetus Solutions from Hyderabad — as a social innovation project. This app will address matters of farm aggregations, soil health and disease identification, crop yield, farm produce pickups, market linkage and retail sellers app.

Launch of the Farmer’s Portal on 7th May 2018

The Meghalaya Famers’ Portal (www.megfarmers.gov.in) of the Department of Agriculture is a platform for farmers to seek any information related to agriculture. Detailed information on farmers’ insurance, agricultural storage, crops, extension activities, seeds, pesticides, farm machineries, etc. is provided. Details of fertilizers, market prices, package and practices, programmes, welfare schemes are also given.

Awards & Recognitions
  • Meghalaya has been selected for the Commendation award in 'Total foodgrains Category-III' for 2017-18. The award consists of a citation and an amount of Rs. 1 crore.
  • Meghalaya Agriculture Department and the MIE Meghalaya Team won the '7th eNabling North East (eNorth East) Award 2019-20' in the 'Agriculture & Rural Development' category for 1917 iTEAMS project which is a project in collaboration with Digital India.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi awarded Meghalaya on May 2018 the Krishi Commendation Award for the year 2015-16, in recognition of the commendable foodgrains production achieved by the State.
  • Meghalaya has been adjudged the Most Improved Small State in the category of Agriculture and received the India Today – "The State of the States” Award on 23rd November 2018.