Shillong: Meghalaya‘s Public Health Engineering Minister, Marcuise N. Marak, has announced that the state has received Rs 405.64 crore under the Jal Jeevan Mission for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
In a response to a question in the state Assembly on Thursday, Marak said that the funds were sanctioned by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti’s Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation.
He, however, clarified that the ministry is yet to release funds for 2025-26.
Marak said pending bills as of August 31, 2025, amounting to Rs 695.01 crore for contractors under JJM, are still to be received from the Centre.
Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma informed the state Assembly that the Ampati Engineering College project is 25% complete, with Rs 15 crore already spent. He assured that the government is committed to finishing both the Ampati and Shillong engineering colleges “on a war footing.”
The assurance came after Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma urged the government to expedite the project, while Ampati MLA Miani D Shira flagged the absence of an approach road.
The minister said a temporary road exists but often gets washed away during rains, and promised that the government would take up the matter for a permanent solution.
Former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma expressed his disappointment in the Assembly about not being invited to the inauguration of Shillong Engineering College, the first of its kind in Meghalaya. “I am a little bit aggrieved. I requested the government to please invite all of us so that we can share the joy of the initiative,” he stated.
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Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said he too was not invited, but clarified that the formal programme was yet to be held.
“Classes have started, but we did not get AICTE approval at the time. We will do a proper programme. It is a proud moment for the state, and we will ensure everyone is invited,” he said.
