The Chief Minister of Indian state of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma, virtually inaugurated a two-day workshop on emerging technologies at the State Convention Centre in Shillong, marking a significant step toward transforming the state’s digital landscape. Organized by the Department of Information Technology & Communications (IT&C) in collaboration with the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), the event brought together policymakers, technology experts, and stakeholders from across India to discuss digital innovation and implementation strategies.
During his keynote address, the Chief Minister underscored the increasing influence of technology in governance, suggesting that it had evolved from being a supporting mechanism to a core component in administrative operations. He reflected on the impact of digital governance tools like the e-Proposal and digital file movement systems under the Meghalaya Enterprise Architecture (MeghEA), which had enabled officials to execute administrative functions remotely via mobile devices.
He credited technological interventions for significant public sector outcomes, citing a nearly 50% decline in maternal mortality due to real-time tracking and digital support for high-risk pregnancies. He further revealed that over 70,000 water springs across the state would soon be equipped with IoT sensors, a move intended to provide real-time data to support conservation and efficient water resource management.
Blockchain, AI, and Immersive Tourism Experiences
In an effort to streamline government employee data management, Sangma introduced a blockchain-based system for tracking personnel records and promotions, beginning with the police department. He explained that this platform was designed to reduce bureaucratic delays and promote transparency in internal processes.
Drawing inspiration from a recent visit to Japan, the Chief Minister also announced plans to pilot greenhouse farming in Meghalaya using AI and robotics technologies. These high-tech initiatives aim to improve cultivation practices for premium crops such as strawberries and lettuce.
The government is also looking to integrate immersive technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) into the tourism sector. By leveraging these tools, the administration intends to enhance the visibility of the state’s scenic beauty and cultural richness, offering travelers a more engaging digital experience.
Infrastructure Expansion and Inclusive Technology Growth
Reaffirming his administration’s goal to position Meghalaya as the Northeast’s hub for IT and digital services, Sangma highlighted several infrastructure projects under development. These include the expansion of Shillong Tech Parks, the construction of high-end hotels, the enhancement of airport facilities to accommodate larger aircraft by 2026, and the widespread deployment of fiber-optic connectivity to bolster the digital ecosystem. He emphasized the importance of inclusive growth, urging collaboration with national bodies like NeGD and IndiaAI to ensure that technological benefits extend to both urban centers and remote villages.
Chief Secretary D.P. Wahlang, who also addressed the workshop, noted the role of digital file systems in improving government efficiency, replacing cumbersome paperwork with streamlined digital dashboards. He pointed to the state’s Drone Technology Lab, which now assists in precision mapping for sectors such as tourism, mining, and forestry. Wahlang also mentioned the integration of VR into legal education at the National Law University in Shillong and shared the government’s plans to support linguistic inclusivity by incorporating Khasi and Garo languages into the AI-driven Bhashini platform.
Both officials echoed the need to build a future-ready, inclusive digital ecosystem that aligns technological advancement with the state’s broader developmental goals.