Shillong, April 23: Intensifying its push towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Government of Meghalaya convened a high-level capacity-building workshop, today at the State Convention Centre, focusing on data-driven governance, outcome-based budgeting, and district-level convergence.
Organised by the Planning, Investment Promotion & Sustainable Development Department, Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with Indo-German Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP-GIZ), the workshop brought together key stakeholders to fast-track SDG implementation aligned with the State’s development priorities.
Addressing the session, Dr. Vijay Kumar D, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Planning Department, underscored Meghalaya’s structured approach to SDG delivery, highlighting the establishment of SDG cells across districts, deployment of District Research Fellows, and a grassroots data network of Village Data Volunteers.
He noted that the State has expanded the CM Catalytic Fund to improve SDG outcomes, allowing each district to access grants of up to ₹1.5 crore to enable targeted interventions, while reiterating the goal of positioning Meghalaya among India’s top 10 states in SDGs by 2030 and per capita income by 2032.
In his keynote address, Shri R. Nainamalai, IFS, Secretary (PIP & SD), linked SDG acceleration with the State’s “Viksit Meghalaya” vision, targeting a $10 billion economy by 2028 and $100 billion economy by 2047.
He highlighted Meghalaya’s distinction as one of the few states implementing an SDG-linked budget, ensuring measurable development outcomes. He further noted that Meghalaya continues to retain its “Performer” status in the NITI Aayog SDG Index, with strong gains in clean water, reduced inequalities, and climate action.
The workshop focused on strengthening district-level data systems, SDG-linked outcome budgeting, vocational skilling in green jobs, and monitoring frameworks such as the Village Advancement Index and Meghalaya One Portal.
East Khasi Hills was recognised as a leading district performer, showcasing the impact of decentralised planning. With a multi-tier monitoring framework already in place, Meghalaya is sharpening its focus on convergence, financing, and evidence-based planning to accelerate progress towards becoming a top-performing SDG State by 2030.
The event featured a set of interactive sessions like: “Strengthening data driven decision making at districts in Meghalaya in the Health sector” and a two-part session on “SDG linked Outcome Budgeting.”
Participants also engaged in a special session under the theme “Strengthening vocational education through simulation in Green Jobs” and “Panchayat Advancement Index.” The workshop further covered areas like “Strengthening SDG Monitoring” and “Role of documentation,” concluding with a closing session on the key takeaways.
Earlier, delivering the welcome address, Shri K.M. Pala, Advisor, GSDP-GIZ, highlighted that accelerating the State’s performance in achieving SDG goals relies on three core pillars: building partnerships, continuous innovation and ensuring outcome-based accountability.
The convergence began with a context setting session on SDG implementation in Meghalaya, focusing on its status and major initiatives. It highlighted the proactive approaches to accelerate grassroots development and key resource mobilization efforts like the CSR Conclave and CM Catalytic Fund for SDGs
From economic growth to social equity and environmental protection, Meghalaya is ensuring that sustainable development shapes the way we build resilient communities and safeguard future generations.
