SHILLONG, MAR 30: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has launched the Rs 4.61 crore Eri rearing, innovation, spinning and empowerment (E-RISE) initiative in RI Bhoi to lift Eri silk incomes for 1200 households through feed plants, climate-resilient rearing houses and electric spinning machines. He also laid the foundation for the Umsning Mini Stadium at Patarim ahead of the 2027 National Games
In his address, Sangma while recalling the CM Connect programme held in Umsning four months ago, highlighted how public demands ranging from street lighting to tap water connections under Jal Jeevan Mission, have already been addressed, with the demand for a mini stadium now moving swiftly to execution.
“There was a demand for a mini stadium to be constructed. Within four months, we are here today, with the sanction, and the administrative approval; we are here today to lay the foundation stone for that mini stadium. I have not seen this kind of pace at which schemes get sanctioned, ever before,” he said.
At the core of today’s programme, E-RISE introduces a complete value-chain intervention for 1,200 farming households across 22 clusters.
Each beneficiary family will receive high-yielding feed plants (castor and tapioca), ₹17,000 support for climate-resilient rearing houses enabling 4–6 rearing cycles annually, and electric spinning machines worth ₹11,000 that are 10 times more productive than traditional methods, along with dedicated training facilities.
Drawing attention to the genesis of E-RISE, Chief Minister explained that feedback from farmers revealed that cocoons were being sold at around ₹700, while value-added yarn fetched ₹3,000–₹3,500 in markets outside the state.
He stated, “this feedback that we got ultimately allowed us to come up with the E-Rise program that we are launching today.”
Emphasizing the scale of impact, he added that with over 7,000 farmers engaged in textile and farming activities in Ri-Bhoi, the intervention would ensure that value addition happens within the district itself.
The intervention is projected to generate an annual value of ₹9.36 crore, more than double the initial investment of ₹4.61 crore. Building on Meghalaya’s GI-tagged eri silk and growing national recognition, the initiative positions Ri-Bhoi as a front-runner in organic and sustainable silk production.
Further strengthening the State’s sports infrastructure, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the Umsning Mini Stadium at Patarim, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the local community.
The project forms part of the State’s broader push to expand sports infrastructure ahead of hosting the National Games in 2027.
Umsning MLA Dr Celestine Lyngdoh stated that the day marks a major milestone for Umsning, with the foundation stone laid for the mini stadium.
He noted that within just four months of the Chief Minister’s visit, key interventions such as the stadium, solar street lighting, and improved water access have been delivered, reflecting the Government’s pace and commitment to development.
Community and Rural Development Minister Sosthenes Sohtun stated that the initiatives reflect the Government’s continued focus on strengthening rural livelihoods and empowering communities, particularly through interventions like E-RISE.
Notably, on the fiscal front, Chief Minister noted that Meghalaya was facing a potential loss of nearly ₹2,000 crore annually due to changes in tax devolution in the recently announced Union Budget 2026-27.
He informed that following discussions with the Union Government, support has been extended under SASCI to compensate for the shortfall, thereby bringing relief to not only Meghalaya, but all the hill states of India, affected by the revised formula.
In a targeted intervention, Chief Minister also launched Project ASPIRE (Accelerating Student Potential through Interactive & Remote Education), a ₹1.57 crore initiative supported by NITI Aayog, to provide 24×7 academic support, career guidance, and competitive exam preparation for students and youth.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal, welcomed the gathering and described the day as a key milestone for Ri-Bhoi.
The programme featured asset distribution under E-RISE and beneficiary interactions, marking a significant step towards accelerating development in the district.
By Our Reporter
