Meghalaya cabinet approves second IT park building in New Shillong

Shillong: The Meghalaya cabinet has given its consent to the revised administrative approval (AA) for the construction of the second IT park building on the Shillong Technology Park campus in Umsawli, New Shillong.“While the main structure is nearing completion, the revised approval will enable the development of additional plug-and-play office space, a larger cafeteria, a modern auditorium and centralised air-conditioning to meet the requirements of global IT and technology companies,” CM Conrad K Sangma said after presiding over the cabinet on Wednesday.The additional work requires an estimated Rs 36 crore, which was vetted by the planning and finance departments.“As per the govt’s revised policy, all project cost revisions exceeding 25% must receive cabinet approval. Accordingly, the proposal was placed before the cabinet and has now been approved,” Sangma said.The Shillong Technology Park, a govt IT initiative located in Mawdiangdiang, has its first phase operational and fully occupied by several private companies.The second phase, spanning 1.8 lakh sq ft, is nearing completion to expand Meghalaya's digital ecosystem.

The main objective of the park is to provide multiple work options for the youth of Meghalaya and also bring back those who left the state in search of jobs.The cabinet on Wednesday also approved the establishment of St Xavier’s University, run by the Jesuits, in Meghalaya to strengthen higher education in the state.“Following detailed discussions with the university authorities, the cabinet approved the allotment of 50 acres of land at Mawkhanu at a concessional rate of approximately Rs 1 lakh per hectare,” the CM said. “This is an investment in the future of our youth. St Xavier’s is a premier institution with a legacy of academic excellence, and its presence in Meghalaya will enhance higher and technical education while creating new opportunities for students across the state and the region,” he said.“This decision reflects our vision of providing world-class educational opportunities and taking Meghalaya’s education sector to greater heights,” the CM said.