Shillong: Conrad K. Sangma on Monday presented the Meghalaya Budget for 2025–26 with a fiscal deficit of Rs 2,672 crore, pegged at around 3.5 per cent of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), stating that the government has maintained the deficit within the permissible limit.
Presenting the budget on the floor of the House, the chief minister said the fiscal deficit has been carefully managed at 3.5 per cent, in line with prescribed norms, reflecting the state’s commitment to fiscal discipline while continuing to invest in priority sectors.
Alongside the main budget document, Sangma also tabled the Climate, Youth, Gender and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Budgets, underlining the government’s focus on inclusive and sustainable growth.
The Climate Budget for 2026–27 has been pegged at Rs 5,572 crore, marking an increase of 2.8 per cent over the 2025–26 allocation. The chief minister said the enhanced outlay demonstrates the state’s continued thrust on climate resilience and environmentally sustainable initiatives.
The Youth Budget has seen a significant jump, standing at Rs 4,824 crore — a 45 per cent increase — aimed at expanding opportunities, skilling initiatives and empowerment programmes for young people across the state.
Similarly, the Gender Budget has been enhanced to Rs 6,849 crore, reflecting a 10 per cent increase. The allocation is intended to strengthen women-centric schemes and promote gender equity across sectors.
With the presentation of multiple thematic budgets alongside the fiscal roadmap, the government signalled its intent to balance financial prudence with targeted investments in climate action, youth empowerment and gender-responsive governance.