SHILLONG: Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Vincent H. Pala on Friday launched a sharp criticism of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government as it marked eight years in power, alleging that the state’s claims of prosperity exist largely “on paper.”
Addressing reporters, Pala questioned the government’s narrative of economic progress and cited data from NITI Aayog to highlight concerns over unemployment in the state.
According to him, while the national average unemployment rate stands at 3.2 percent, Meghalaya’s unemployment rate is significantly higher at 6.2 percent.
He further pointed out that unemployment in rural areas is around 9 percent, while urban youth unemployment has reached 12 percent, which he described as a worrying trend.
“The government has failed to address the growing unemployment crisis. Behind the slogans of development, many young people in the state are facing an uncertain future,” Pala said.
The MPCC president also questioned the state government’s reported 9.6 percent economic growth rate, claiming that the growth is largely dependent on central grants and loans rather than local productivity.
He alleged that much of the funds received by the state are ultimately channelled to contractors from outside Meghalaya, leaving local contractors with limited opportunities.
Pala further alleged that a significant portion of funds from a ₹1,000 crore loan had been concentrated among a small group of beneficiaries, claiming that development benefits have not been evenly distributed.
“This growth appears to exist mainly in official records. On the ground, many people are still struggling while only a few benefit from the system,” he said.
Beyond the economic issues, Pala also raised concerns about the condition of the state’s education and healthcare sectors.
He alleged that the government had reduced ₹307 crore from the education budget, adding that Meghalaya currently ranks near the bottom in national education indicators and continues to face high dropout rates.
Pala also cited NITI Aayog findings indicating that around 43 percent of the population lacks adequate access to quality public healthcare, forcing many residents to rely on expensive private treatment or remain without proper medical care.
The MPCC leader’s remarks come as political debate intensifies over the performance of the Conrad Sangma-led government, with opposition parties increasingly scrutinising the administration’s claims of development after eight years in office.
